If you want to change a culture, change it from the ground up.
- Jeremy Forbes
JEREMY Forbes has his sights set on changing the way tradies think.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
He says the time has come for social change in the region.
Last year, after the passing of a friend, Mr Forbes co-founded HALT - Hope, Assistance, Local Tradies.
The group's aim is simple.
It wants to raise awareness of mental health among women and men who work in trades.
He said tradies were tough but they were prone to brushing things under a rug.
HALT was designed to change this mindset.
Recently, the organisation has made an exciting development.
Mr Forbes was offered a position at Bendigo Community Health Services.
"Our expansion is only possible because of them," he said.
"Their knowledge has created an opportunity to expand and talk to people like doctors and beyondblue."
Through hosting the Save your Bacon breakfast in regional Victorian towns, the organisation aims to make mental health conversations easier.
The next free Save Your Bacon breakfast will be on Wednesday, September 10 at Tonks Hardware in Castlemaine from 7.30am.
Mr Forbes said through the partnership with Bendigo businesses, he was able to launch a new idea.
HALT will host a lunch for trade students and apprentices at Bendigo TAFE on September 16 at noon.
The lunch is free and includes a goodie bag containing useful information.
Mr Forbes said the event was an important step for HALT.
"If you want to change a culture, change it from the ground up," he said.
"No-one told me about mental health when I was an apprentice and I want to change that.
"It's about imparting my experiences.
"It's the time for change."
Mr Forbes called on Bendigo businesses to donate vouchers in support of the event.
To support HALT, call Mr Forbes on 5448 1600.
