Tradies’ mental health is a toolbox essential

Coinciding with RUOK? Day and World Suicide Prevention Day, TAFE’s Matt Hannan said the event was put together by a combination of organisations - Finley TAFE, the Southern Riverina Wellbeing Collaborative and Workforce Australia.

“We bring together tradies and, this year, school community members too, including Finley High School principal Jeff Ward.

“We were making people aware RUOK? Day is every day.

“It is also an event we can hold that provides support including through the Southern Riverina Wellbeing Collaborative, which has a lot of different initiatives and can help if people are having thoughts post or pre events in their life.

“Workforce Australia are also important as they help with trainee and apprenticeship support.

“It is an event I’m proud we can hold, as TAFE is in that space providing a lot of education for tradies.

“On the day, Jesmine Coromandel from Workforce Australia shared a personal story that captivated those there and encourage people to reach out.

“We also partnered with Odesi Coffee who does it on her time coming from Tocumwal to Finley.

“It is a good way to bring tradies together. Sometimes they may be the only person on site, so it is a space they can be with others.”

Mr Hannan said the morning was about connection, but also encouraged self reflection in the attendees.

“We ran a little event that gave them a cup and a card for themselves, something they can put in their wallet.

“The card has two questions: ‘Who’s in your corner?’ and ‘What helps keep you on track?’.

“Whether it’s family, footy, fishing, the dog or another animal, they can list and keep whatever helps them close by.”

• Anyone requiring crisis support can contact Accessline on 1800 800 944, Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800. Pathways to help can also be found at www.southernriverinawellbeing.com.au.