Forico funding RAW to cut through mental health

Forico has thrown its support behind the important work of Rural Alive and Well (RAW) and their sector-specific Cutting Through program, aimed at bringing critical assistance to Tasmanians in the forestry and timber industry.

RAW is a Tasmanian not-for-profit organisation, building mentally healthy and resilient rural communities to reduce the prevalence of suicide in ages 14 years and above.

‘RAW expertly delivers support services that address an essential and unfortunately growing need in our communities. We are proud to support their work in forestry and expect it to deliver tangible benefits broadly across our industry,’ said Forico CEO Evangelista Albertini, meeting with RAW’s CEO Barb Walters in early 2022 to consolidate the partnership.

RAW provides practical and tangible interventions, to promote positive mental health, reduce stigma, address life stressors and provide access to specialist support services for people who live in Tasmania’s rural and remote areas.

RAW’s approach is non-clinical, genuine and non-intrusive. The service is confidential with no waiting lists or fees. The RAW team boast a dynamic range of qualifications and lived experience, which enables one-on-one support to be authentic and personal. RAW works collaboratively with shared goals to get the best outcome for program participants.

RAW conversations take place where program participants are most comfortable, for example: in the timber yard, football field or a nearby local cafe.

The Cutting Through program operates state-wide in rural and remote Tasmanian locations and has been developed specifically with the forestry and timber sector in mind. The program is tailored to meet the unique complex nature of the Tasmanian Timber Industry, and is led by David Milne, a saw doctor with thirty years’ experience in the industry from Tasmania’s north-east.

Cutting Through delivers a range of support including Fast 5 Talks in workplaces, referral pathways for individuals, one-on-one support and accreditation programs for workplaces and employer support.

To read more about the Cutting Through Program, please visit: www.rawtas.com.au/programs

Contact RAW direct on: 1800 729 827