Sydney tradie brothers hope to erase men's mental health stigma with 'charity day'

By Ash Kent|

The heart warming way Sydney 'tradie' brothers' are creating awareness about men's mental health

A group of tradies from Southern Sydney have launched a video campaign to create awareness around men's mental health and raise money for charity.

Ben and Aaron Tass, owners of Tass Construction Group, held a 'Charity Day' for their 15 employees, on August 24. They had games and raffled off prizes, including a 'paid day off', to raise money for Beyond Blue.

"Some of us can't grow moustaches, so we can't participate in Movember," Ben Tass jokingly told 9Honey.

Ben and Aaron Tass with their employees (Supplied)

Using footage of their charity day, the Tass brothers created a video for social media, pledging $1 for every like, $2 for a comment and $5 for every share.

Within just a day, the company raised over $1,500 thanks to the viral video.

However, Ben says the boys weren't focused primarily on raising money.

"We just wanted to create awareness around the issue, and do it in a fun way," he said.

The brothers also provided their employees shirts from Trademutt, a company that creates bold and vibrant workwear that serves as a 'conversation-starter' – and five per cent of all profits go to mental health initiatives.

"They are taking a different approach to what is actually a serious issue," Ben said. "They're saying, 'Here're the shirts; it's going to be okay.'"

"It's crazy to see who it affects, and how it affects, you just don't see it coming," he added.

Ben, like many other Australians, has witnessed the impact of illnesses such as depression first-hand, with mates and colleagues falling victim to the 'black dog'.

Ben and Aaron Tass with their mum (Supplied)

"100 per cent, people are scared and confused," he said.

"No-one wants to talk about it, because it's awkward. But the more we talk about it, the easier it will be for someone who has depression to speak about it."

"Money will help, but it's fixing how mental health is perceived, more than anything.

"I think if you keep it all inside, then it's doing some serious damage. But as soon as you start telling people and start confronting the issue front on then it becomes a whole other ballgame."

The heartwarming video continues to tally up donations for Beyond Blue, and meanwhile, Ben hopes it will start at least one conversation among men about how they're feeling.


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