We enable our communities to tackle life stressors, stigma and isolation through innovative awareness, access, and practical interventions.
At Rural Alive & Well we aim to ensure Rural and regional communities are connected and resilient. We are powered by 22 dedicated team members and supported by thousands of community champions across Tasmania. Our people are from the very sectors we serve: agriculture, seafood, forestry, transport, and more. We bring real-world experience and a deep understanding of the challenges faced in rural and regional life.
We believe mental health support should be accessible, local, and grounded in empathy. We believe our role is to support individuals and communities in creating their own sustainable paths to health and wellbeing.
Through our vision and dedication, we strive to build strong, resilient communities, ultimately reducing suicidal ideation and suicide attempts.
RAW is a ‘non-clinical’ service providing genuine and non-intrusive one-on-one support using a person-centred shared goals approach. The service is confidential with no fees for participants with thanks to our generous supporters and donors.
RAW adopts a culturally sensitive, strengths-based, and collaborative approach to delivering services. Our team come from a range of backgrounds and receive training and ongoing support to provide evidence-informed care to people.
We are a registered charity, with donations over $2.00 being tax deductible. To find out more about fundraising, sponsorships and donations visit our Support Us page.
RAW’s journey began in 2006 when Founding Ambassador, John Jones OAM, convened several community forums in Oatlands, exploring the issue of suicide. He was concerned about the health and well-being of rural communities who were recovering from severe droughts, and the lack of early intervention and mental health support for rural people was having a detrimental effect.
In 2007, a Committee was formed to help farmers and rural community members who impacted by drought.
The committee consisted of community representatives including the TFGA, Southern Midlands and Central Highlands Councils, Department of Health, Department of Primary Industries & Water, Salvation Army, local church groups, the 8x5 Wool Program, and other interested parties. The group continued to explore the issues around suicide, and educate the broader community on suicide prevention.
In 2009, Rural Alive & Well Inc. was officially incorporated, and soon after became a not-for-profit organisation and registered charity.
