Speak Up Stay ChatTY

Missing a shot at goal, dropping a mark or even losing a game of footy doesn’t seem as big of a deal anymore for Port Hedland Rovers vice captain Jade Hodge.

A prodigious footballer who has represented his home State of Tasmania at national championships, Hodge copped a bitter dose of perspective in January when he was rocked by news of the suicide death of Ty McPherson.

It came as a shock to even the people who knew Ty best, including older brother Mitch McPherson – a good mate of Hodge.

“He had just turned 18, the very next day he was about to start his building apprenticeship, he played footy, he was popular – we didn’t see any signs,” McPherson told the North West Telegraph from Hobart.

“We learnt later on the main factor in why he did it but we don’t like to harp on that … it could have been prevented had we asked him more about it.”

Determined not to let Ty’s death become just another statistic, McPherson founded Speak Up Stay ChatTY, a group which encourages family and friends to keep the lines of communication open with the young people in their lives.

“If you think something might not be quite right just dig a little deeper because there could be things wrong,” McPherson said.

“Something has got to be done to stop (the rate of youth suicide) or at least try and stop it happening as much. I’m sure there is work done behind the scenes to raise awareness for suicide but I don’t think there is enough.

“People that haven’t been affected by it don’t realise how real it is and how shocking it is.”

Speak Up Stay ChatTY gained nationwide attention earlier this year when Richmond star and fellow Tasmanian Jack Riewoldt brandished a sticker on Channel Nine’s The Footy Show. More than 4000 stickers have now sold.

“I’m good mates with Jack,” McPherson said. “He’s been really good. He came down for the funeral and knew Ty well.

“I basically sent him over an A3 size of the sticker and he was more than happy to plug it (on the Footy Show).”

Inspired by the tireless work of his mate, Hodge has organised a quiz night at the Rovers Football Club on Friday, August 2 to raise funds for Speak Up Stay ChatTY.

The evening will feature auction items, including signed AFL guernseys, cheap drinks and food.

“Basically when I heard what Mitch was trying to achieve I couldn’t help but help out in some way,” Hodge said. “Mitch is a great guy and over the years I’ve known a few people who have suffered with depression and also a couple that unfortunately committed suicide.

“While I didn’t know Ty personally I know Mitch and after speaking to him realised how often this actually happens.

“(The quiz night) is an initiative to get the issue in the spotlight, to hopefully do a little thing, as tiny as it may be, and help get the word out that there are people who can help you and depression is not a thing that is frowned upon in society.”

All money raised at the quiz night will be distributed to Speak Up Stay ChatTY, which directs funds to established organisations raising awareness for youth suicide and depression.

One such group is Albie House, a suicide prevention organisation where youth can access support and guidance, 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week.

To book a ticket ($20) or table of eight ($150) at the Rovers quiz night call 0421 021 356.

BHP Billiton has committed to match the amount raised at the quiz night.

For further information regarding Speak Up Stay ChatTy, or to purchase stickers, visit http://www.staychatty.com.au/.

If you or someone close to you is suffering from a mental health condition, including depression, help is available via Lifeline on 13 11 14.