Everyone Has a Story (EHAS) is a local initiative designed to reduce stigma around mental health and normalise the fact that everyone (genuinely) has a story.

EHAS was founded by Molycop and Out of the Square in 2020 and expanded in 2021 to include over 40 local industrial and manufacturing organisations and receive two Hunter Safety Awards.

In 2022, EHAS is open to all industries and community groups, be it manufacturing, hospitality, media, professional services, healthcare, and performing arts.

With over 65,000 Australians making a suicide attempt each year, it is more important than ever that we focus on the mental wellbeing of our people.

Corporate and Community Manager of Lifeline Hunter, Patrick Calabria said EHAS is a step in the right direction.

“Everyone Has a Story is a positive step in the right direction providing a platform to share and talk about our mental health,” Patrick said.

Founder and Managing Director of Out of the Square, Marty Adnum said people are the key to the industry.

“Our region is experiencing significant infrastructure growth – a runway upgrade, two new 5-star hotels, expanding health facilities and so on,” Marty said.

“At the core of this being truly successful is healthy, supported people – Everyone Has a Story is here to bring the region together from all industries to assist in that.”

EHAS provides a format for organisations to record heartfelt interviews where their team members courageously share their personal struggles, challenges, and coping processes.

These videos can then be shared with employees in team meetings and internal communications to help others in their daily life challenges.

Participant content can be recorded over September and a major event showcasing the stories along with guest speakers will take place in October to coincide with national Mental Health Awareness week.

EHAS is also pleased to announce Port of Newcastle has come on board as a Major Sponsor.

Senior People and Culture Partner at Port of Newcastle, Kayla Parker said this was an important initiative for Port of Newcastle.

‘It was important for Port of Newcastle to get behind this initiative and help our community and all Novocastrians,” Kayla said.

“Mental wellbeing is important to us all and we need to come together to do what we can to help make a difference.”

IMAGE | Founder and Managing Director of Out of the Square, Marty Adnum; Corporate and Community Manager of Lifeline Hunter, Patrick Calabria; and Senior People and Culture Partner at Port of Newcastle, Kayla Parker.