With a motto of “Talk to a Mate”, the Tasmanian mental health organisation, Rural Alive and Well Inc or RAW is proud to announce that it is extending its reach in the service it provides across rural communities in Northern and North West Tasmania, according to the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Danial Rochford.
Thanks to increased support from the State Government the organisation has just welcomed the appointment of two new Rural Outreach Workers in the North and North West Coast rural districts.
With suicide rates the second highest in the nation, the need for RAW’s Outreach program remains ever strong, Mr Rochford said.
“Our organisation last year worked with over 2000 clients and we are very proud that day in day out our Rural Outreach Workers are saving lives,
“We were keen to increase our reach to the North West and the North and we are very thankful for the support the Tasmanian Government has provided to make that happen, Mr Rochford said.
We are pleased to announce that Mr John Clark will look after the Meander Valley, Kentish and Latrobe districts and Mr Tony Barker will be our Rural Outreach Worker for the North West coast, Mr Rochford said.
Tony Barker comes to the organisation having had extensive experience in rural industries as well as his own personal mentoring business. Tony is a prominent community member on the North West including holding roles such as Chairman of the North West Thunder Basketball Club.
John Clark has been a passionate mental health advocate and comes to RAW from Anglicare. John has been very active in supporting a range of mental health initiatives and programs at the grass roots level and has a strong rural background.
Speaking on his appointment to the role, Mr Barker said “I am really pleased to be joining the team at RAW,
“The organisation has such a great reputation in achieving positive outcomes for its clients,
John Clark is also excited to start his role.
“The fact that we go out to those in need is such a unique model in mental health and I am looking forward to the opportunity of helping those through difficult times, Mr Clark said.
“Rural Alive and Well now employs 10 Rural Outreach workers across Tasmania, Mr Rochford.
“We are working towards the aim to ensure that all of Rural Tasmania has access to someone they can turn to,
“With the appointment of Tony and John we are increasing that reach which will mean we save more lives, Mr Rochford concluded.
Rural Alive and Well works with individuals over 18, families and communities outside of Hobart, Launceston, Burnie and Devonport. To contact a Rural Outreach Worker in your area please contact our 24/7 hotline 1300 HELPMATE (1300 43576283)
Danial Rochford, Chief Executive Officer
