Community Wellbeing

General Information about the program

With Tasmania’s suicide rate higher than the national average we need to implement some basic and simple strategies to address the increasing loss of life.
Dr John Crawshaw’s recent comments on suicide rates highlights the need for urgent and sustained programs which achieve real and sustained outcomes, particularly for rural areas of the state with traditionally higher rates of suicide than other areas in Tasmania.

Such a program is Rural Alive & Well which operates across the Central Highlands, Glamorgan Spring Bay and Southern Midlands providing support to men, families and communities. The success of Rural Alive & Well Inc. can be contributed to a simple strategy; being available 24/7, going where people live & work and demonstrating genuine caring with a proactive approach to providing ongoing physical and emotional support. This combined with promoting events and activities creates a greater level of social inclusion and provides opportunities to promote suicide awareness and prevention education for everyone across both municipalities.

Rural Alive & Well staff conduct regular farm and house visits making contact with those who traditionally have been isolated or overlooked or are simply doing it tough right now. Rural Alive & Well staff take the time needed to connect with people, providing ongoing counselling, support or referral to other crucial services.

It doesn’t matter what the issue is when someone is experiencing high levels of stress and feeling alone. What matters is that someone demonstrates a caring, confidential and non intrusive approach to helping, and being available when the help is most needed.
To simply have someone standing beside us when life gets tough and be willing to go where we are can make the difference between reaching the point where suicide may be a considered option or getting through the dark times.

Working in close partnership with government and non government agencies and groups has enabled Rural Alive & Well to participate in and contribute to a very effective network of caring and experienced people as a vital resource for individuals, families and communities.

Rural Alive & Well puts into practice the motto on their vehicles ”Talk to a Mate” by being accessible and compassionate with a feet on the ground approach to providing support, whatever the issue.

Nothing makes more of a difference than having a mate who is there alongside you in dark times, a mate who is down to earth, cares and CAN HELP.

If you are in need of assistance or know someone who is please contact one of our Rural Outreach Workers.

Garry Sharp: 0400 131 256

Wayne Turale: 0428 145 319 

Max Bessell: 0458 032 813

Leonard Willsher: 0428 333 517