More than 100,000 Stay ChatTY stickers now in circulation in Tasmania

SPEAKS! The Stay ChatTY movement has reached an “incredible milestone”, with more than 100,000 of its iconic stickers in circulation in Tasmania.

The simple yet powerful message behind the Stay ChatTY sticker has sparked conversations and encouraged people to check in on their loved ones in schools, workplaces, clubs, homes and community groups.

Founder Mitch McPherson initially created the sticker in 2013 after his younger brother Ty took his own life.

“For me it was a way to honor Ty and try to make a difference for other people dealing with mental health issues,” McPherson said.

In its first run, 1,000 Stay ChatTY stickers were made.

“I was convinced that many would end up in my closet collecting dust, but I believed in the message and wanted to spread as many as I could,” McPherson said.

To his surprise, the 1,000 stickers were distributed in 10 days and many of them went to people he had never met.

An estimated one in six Tasmanian vehicles now carry a Stay ChatTY sticker, serving as a daily reminder to check in not only on themselves but also someone they care about.

Despite wide distribution, McPherson said there are still some “misconceptions” about the sticker’s design.

“A lot of people are surprised to hear… that the outline of the logo is not underwear, but football shorts,” he said.

“My younger brother, Ty, wore football shorts everywhere he went, even places others might not consider entirely appropriate.”

“The outline of the logo was a nod to his fun-loving character and the way he made others smile.”