If you’re a Tasmanian, you’re probably familiar with today’s guest. Mitch McPherson is the founder of Speak Up! Stay ChatTY, a mental health awareness organisation inspired by the loss of his younger brother Ty to suicide in 2013. Since then, the organisation has delivered programs into workplaces, community groups, schools and sporting clubs to encourage people to speak up about mental health and create a kinder and more accepting world. 

In today’s conversation, TICT’s Luke Martin asks Mitch to share his advice with the Tasmanian tourism and hospitality industry, which has arguably been one of the hardest hit by the last two years’ Covid-related challenges. While we’re encouraged by the most recent Tourism Industry Business Sentiment Survey, which showed that 95% of respondents had a positive outlook for the future of the industry, it’s undeniable that the last two years have had real impact on the industry’s collective mental health. Mitch talks through practical self-care strategies to build resilience and avoid negative cycles, as well as the importance of looking out for others around us who might be doing it tough.

For leaders and managers, Mitch offers his tips on building workplace cultures that are engaged with and proactive around mental health strategies. He believes that these cultures need to be set from the top, and can have real impact on individuals and teams. 

And with June 21 – the shortest day of the year – coming up, Mitch gets chatty about Shorts Day. It’s a new awareness initiative that encourages us to wear shorts to work on what might be one of the chilliest days to brave the cold and brave the conversation around mental health. 

For more information on Shorts Day and Speak Up! Stay ChatTY’s work, head to https://staychatty.com.au/

For other support with mental health in the workplace, check out THA’s Mental Health & Wellbeing resources at https://www.tha.asn.au/mental-health-wellbeing 

If you, or someone you know, is in crisis, please call Lifeline on 131144 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

Today’s episode is brought to you by our partner, TasVacations. TasVacations make it easy to plan your Tasmanian self-drive holiday. They love, live and breathe Tasmania, and will share their local knowledge of Tasmania’s attractions, cruises, guided walks, wineries and favourite restaurants. You can choose from one of their popular holiday packages including accommodation and car hire, and ask them to create a tailored touring holiday just for you. Thanks to TasVacations for their generous support of TICT and for helping to make this episode of Talking Tourism possible.