Two Brisbane Chippies Provide 4,000 Hours Of Free Counselling

TradeMutt, the social enterprise workwear brand created by two chippies designed to help blue collar workers start conversations about mental health recently celebrated 4,000 hours of counselling provided thanks to their financial contribution to TIACS.org.

Founded in 2018 after co-founder Dan Allen lost a close mate to suicide, TradeMutt gained a cult following on job sites around the country. Known for championing 'Funky Shirt Friday' the brand is pleased to share that they have helped contribute thousands of hours of free counselling to blue collar workers around Australia.

"We just wanted to bring down barriers to help people start conversations about mental health," co-founder Ed Ross said. "Not in our wildest dreams did we think we would also found a non-profit counselling service and have TradeMutt generate enough money to help fund over 4,000 hours of free counselling. We owe everything to our community for helping us get here."

Even though there is a lot to celebrate there is still a lot of work to be done according to co-founder Dan Allen. "A lot of people in our target market are unaware that TIACS even exists. We have a lot of work to do in continuing to spread the message of TradeMutt and TIACS to ensure that no one has to fight it out alone."

TradeMutt work shirts are available online and in leading retail stores around Australia. With 50% of profits donated to TIACS the co-founders Dan and Ed hope that more tradies, truckies, rural and blue Collar workers and businesses can jump on board and support Funky Shirt Friday and in turn help fund further hours of counselling.

"We want mental health conversations and speaking to a mental health professional to be as normal as going to the gym or eating healthy food," Ross said. "The culture is changing and we are keen to continue with this momentum and make a real difference to the mental wellbeing of the blue collar community.

If you or someone you know would like to speak to a mental health counsellor today free and ongoing please call or text TIACS on 0488 846 988.