THE team at Swan Hill Disposals and Outdoor Store are keen to start a conversation after the arrival of a new range of workwear to their Campbell Street store.
The founders of the TradeMutt clothing brand have joined forces with other heavy hitting industry names including Coates, Henley and AKD to support the mental health of blue-collar workers in a fun and effective way.
TIACS stands for “This is a conversation starter” and is the brainchild of TradeMutt founders Ed Ross and Dan Allen.
The chippies met in Brisbane in 2014 and shortly after, Dan was rocked by the suicide of one of his best mates.
He recalled it being a terrible time in his life and attributed the support of Ed as a key reason he was able to get through the dark time.
Together, the young entrepreneurs wanted to come up with a way to do more.
“Although mental health is a serious topic, why would anyone want to talk about something seemingly so dark and scary,” Dan said.
“We felt we needed to brighten up the conversation and in 2018 TradeMutt was born with a range of bright and funky workwear options designed to start a conversation about mental health.”
Swan Hill Disposals and Outdoor Store owner Daryl Billing said he was delighted to be backing such a worthwhile cause with 50 per cent of all profits being donated to TIACS and funds used to provide free counselling sessions.
“We’ve decided to get behind the campaign and are stocking a variety of different workwear options including hi-vis and polo shirts as well as scrubs for health care staff just to name a few,” Mr Billing said.
“We have a variety of funky styles and colours in store and a huge range available through the catalogue.
“Each item of clothing has the TIACS badge and a QR code located discreetly on the garment, often under collars or pocket lapels.
“The brightness of the clothing is designed to get attention and the TIACS philosophy is designed to get a conversation started.
“When the QR code is used, the person is taken to the TIACS website where free phone and text counselling is available.”
So far, the program has supported 17,680 Australians with 72 per cent of those people being male.
“Wacky shirt on Wednesday is the idea behind our local campaign and we are encouraging workplaces to get on board by having staff wear their TIACS shirt each Wednesday, as a reminder of the importance of mental health and the supports available,” Mr Billing said.
Keeping the idea fresh, a new style and design is released each season, with this season’s theme being a limited edition called 50 Shades of Spray Paint.
Other bright and vibrant themes are also available in additional accessories such as cords for sunglasses, caps, scarves, sock savers, bum bags, jocks and more.
Garments are available in male and female options across all sizes.
“We still offer our regular embroidery services to customise the garments and we are more than happy to come to businesses to show them the range and explain the TIACS program,” Mr Billing said.
“Or people can pop into our store at 229 Campbell Street Swan Hill and our staff will gladly guide you through the options.
“These shirts might save a life simply by someone driving home after a long day and feeling lonely or down and being able to reach into their pocket and have access to immediate counselling support.”
Also on each garment is a tag with the initials YNWA (“You’ll never walk alone”) which pays tribute to Dan Allen’s mate, who was a Liverpool fan.
Anyone requiring urgent help can call Lifeline’s 24-hour number, 131 114. Men needing crisis support can call MensLine, 1300 789 978, 24 hours.
