Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council (TSIC) grow Stay Afloat partnership with Rural Alive & Well (RAW) To increase the mental health and wellbeing of the Tasmanian Seafood Industry

The Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council (TSIC) today announced an increase in the partnership with Rural Alive & Well (RAW) to deliver the Stay Afloat program across the Tasmanian Seafood Industry Sector.

The Stay Afloat program has been delivered by RAW over the last 2 years, to meet an identified need across the Seafood Industry to have ongoing practical support around mental health and wellbeing. With an increased focus over recent years on suicide awareness and reducing the stigma, the TSIC are leading the way in ensuring that the Seafood Industry is prioritizing the mental health and wellbeing of workers.

“People and the communities they live in are the foundation of the Tasmanian seafood industry. Unfortunately, our seafood people have been negatively impacted over recent years due to COVID, market disruption and a whole range of other influences. And when our people hurt, our Tasmanian communities hurt.

Stay Afloat makes the challenge of poor mental health real, connecting people to hands on help and support, which in turn supports community resilience and health.

Our partnership with RAW, through the Stay Afloat program is so important for seafood and that is why we are announcing further financial support from our seafood Stay Afloat funds for another Outreach Worker.

And we cannot thank Chris Claridge and TTM Logistics enough for spreading the message through signage on their truck” said Mr Julian Harrington, Chief Executive of the Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council.

“Suicide is a public issue that requires a coordinated and combined effort. The Stay Afloat program is critical to ensure the Tasmanian Seafood sector employers, workers and families are provided the mental health and wellbeing support required to build a sustainable and vibrant Industry.

Rural Alive & Well are proud to today be announcing the growth of the Stay Afloat program through the additional funding of another Outreach Worker with thanks to Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council

As an organisation we are grateful for investments like those from the Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council and the Tasmanian Government to ensure that this crucial mental health and wellbeing support program continues to be available to the Seafood Industry without cost, and without waiting periods.

Awareness is also a core factor to the success and knowledge of the program. As you can see from the trailer supplied by Craig Claridge, TTM Logistics and TSIC, we believe that this is a key asset to spark conversations in locations across the Tasmanian Seafood sector,” said Barb Walters, Chief Executive Officer of Rural Alive & Well