The shirt that starts the right conversations
“We’re a tight-knit community and I want everyone to know we’re here for each other. It doesn’t take much to be an advocate for mental health, it can be as simple as asking how someone’s day is going and giving them a point of connection,” Tim said.
People in the workplace and community were reaching out to Tim to chat about what they were struggling with, and he thought there was more they could be doing in his branch for the community.
“I did some research and found the TradeMutt workwear. They’re eye-catching shirts that encourage people to come up and engage with you,” Tim explained.
“What we found so far is by wearing the shirts people come and ask, ‘what’s the go with the shirt’ and it really does start the conversation
“We might not be able to remove their issues, but we can be ear and can direct them to the right support".
The shirts support the charity This Is A Conversation Starter (TIACS), not-for-profit mental health support providing a text and call service for access to free clinicians. Each shirt has the contact details for anyone to get in touch with the organisation.
“It’s important to make a safe space for employees. We’re building a team environment, a family environment and make sure our employees aren’t taking their issues home with them
“It’s another piece of the puzzle to make sure our employees are getting home safe every day,” Tim concludes.
