Tasmania Communications Charter Launched

Everymind has welcomed the launch of the Tasmanian Communications Charter: A state-based approach to mental health and suicide prevention (The Charter) in Hobart today.

The Tasmanian Charter is the result of a partnership between Everymind, the Mental Health Council of Tasmania (MHCT) and the Tasmanian Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Communications Charter Working Party, with funding provided by the Tasmanian Government.

Tasmania is the first Australian state to develop a state-based version of the new National Communications Charter: A unified approach to mental health and suicide prevention, which was developed by Everymind and launched in Melbourne last week. Director of Everymind, Jaelea Skehan says the aim of The Charter is to prevent stigma around mental ill-health and suicide, as well as promote help-seeking behaviour, by encouraging organisations, individuals and government to use a safe common language.

“The Tasmanian Communications Charter aims to build the capacity of all sectors and people to play a role in the promotion of mental health and wellbeing and the prevention of suicide,” Ms Skehan said.

“What we say as a sector, as businesses and as a community can literally be the difference between whether or not a person feels comfortable to speak up and seek help, which can have tragic consequences if they stay silent.

“Everyone has a role to play in mobilising our communities to take action on mental health and suicide prevention, and The Tasmanian Charter will enable an all of government, all of sector and all of community response which is safe and empowering.”

MHCT CEO Connie Digolis says she’s proud Tasmania is the first state to adopt the National Communications Charter.

“The Working Party, with representatives from across the Tasmanian mental health and suicide prevention space, have worked tirelessly to develop a state-based Charter that will be meaningful for our communities,” Ms Digolis said.

"The Charter helps us all to feel prepared and capable to have safe and consistent conversations to support mental health outcomes for all Tasmanians.”

The Tasmanian Charter can be viewed and signed online HERE.