When Mitch McPherson’s younger brother died by suicide in 2013, Mitch was driven to do whatever he could to spare other families the same trauma and grief. He founded SPEAK UP! StayChatTY to increase mental health awareness and promote suicide prevention.
Since 2014, Mitch has spoken to more than 1200 community groups, schools and workplaces to share his lived experience and spread the message that “nothing is so bad that you can’t talk about it”. SPEAK UP! StayChatTY has grown into a major mental health initiative in partnership with Relationships Australia Tasmania, delivering awareness programs, hosting events and encouraging discussion about mental health and suicide.
Mitch works tirelessly to foster engagement, regularly appearing on radio and TV, hosting a weekend sports radio show, and working as an event MC where his communication skills enable him to connect with audiences through empathy and shared experiences.
His example highlights the power of resilience, courage and openness to make a positive difference.