HALT, a tweaking of Tradie culture. Jeremy Forbes, Founder of HALT

Origins and expansion of HALT The Tradie Culture – my experience Why and how did HALT originate How do we tweak the Tradie Culture

The Tradie culture My experience Why and how did HALT originate I was an apprentice in Melbourne Worked on suburban and city sites I experienced bullying and harassment become part of the culture I was too afraid to speak out and lose my job I worried about what people would think I learnt nothing about mental heath, financial health and relationships at TAFE A strong sense of community A suicide of a local tradie The realisation I wasn’t doing enough to help my fellow tradies My journey of discovery and how the community supported HALT

How do we tweak the Tradie Culture? Reach out to Tradies where they are comfortable and feel socially included Breaking through the stigma surrounding mental health Opening up the conversations Learning to listen and hear Give them the tools to help themselves and their mates Regular educational and awareness raising programs The use of people with a lived experience

HALT event in Kerang

HALT’s first event in Castlemaine in 2013 Our first HALT event included people from all parts of the community. Already demonstrating a whole community approach is needed to reduce rates of suicide across Australia.