Trademutt, an Australian social enterprise which creates bold and bright workwear for tradies with the overall goal of tackling mental health head on, offers free ongoing professional mental health support for tradies, truckies and blue-collar workers.

The organisation was founded after one of Trademutt’s co-founders, Dan Allen, lost a close friend to suicide.

“Seeing the emptiness in the eyes of a family who have lost a loved one to suicide make it blatantly obvious, that the courage that us blokes pride ourselves on, is the very thing required to address this silent killer,” Dan says.

“I believe that true happiness can never be appreciated until we have experienced what it feels like to be at the lowest of lows. Mum always said to me and my brothers ‘the harder the climb the better the view’ and it is only now that I can fully appreciate how wise her words were.”

Dan and his co-founder Ed Ross eventually founded This is a Conversation Starter (TIACS), designed to give people the access and help they need. Support from a mental health professional isn’t cheap, and it’s not always accessible.

Dan and Ed wanted to further their work from driving a cultural shift around the mental health conversation to actually providing a solution for anyone seeking help.

“TIACS Foundation facilitates access to mental health professionals, by removing the physical and financial barriers to help,” Ed says.

“We provide early intervention and mental health education, helping individuals to understand their own mental health and equip them with the tools to practice mental wellness and be the best versions of themselves.

“We use technology at the fingertips of everyday Australians allowing access to psychological therapy services as simple as pushing a button.”

TIACS Foundation chief executive Marc Ahmelman says there are many people who don’t have the time, means or ability to access psychological services.

“For example, TIACS handles calls from Truckies who are working up to 80 hours a week, they can call TIACS if they need to talk through issues, for truckies making an appointment to see a psychologist is very difficult,” he says.

“If you need support, we’re a phone call or a text away – 0488 846 988 (9.30 -5pm weekdays) will put you in touch with a mental health professional without charge. The support line is manned by professional volunteers. It’s early days and we’re building capacity to extend the hours we’re available.  Check the website www.tiacs.org for operating hours. Quick chat or text – great; longer chat – cool; need a follow up – no problem. We’re here for as long as you need support.”