A problem shared is a problem halved

PERSONAL experience has led to two local Specsavers stores partnering with Tasmanian charity Speak Up! Stay ChatTY through the Specsavers Community Program.

Speak Up! Stay ChatTY works to help prevent suicide by spreading the message that a problem shared is a problem halved.

Charity founder and suicide prevention project officer Mitch McPherson, of Tranmere, established the organisation in 2013 after his younger brother Ty took his own life.

With several team members previously working with Ty at a different company and the rest getting to know Ty’s family as customers in store, the teams at Specsavers Rosny Park and Specsavers Hobart know firsthand just how important it is for young adults to speak up about their problems.

Mr McPherson said partnering with the Specsavers Community Program would enable Speak Up! Stay ChatTY to continue raising awareness about suicide prevention and to grow as an organisation.

Customers can choose to donate to the charity in-store.

Caption: A personal connection has inspired local Specsavers stores to support Speak Up! Stay ChaTTY, which was founded in 2013 by Mitch McPherson, of Tranmere, pictured back row, second from left.