Our Story
Trevor Renison
CEO and Founder
I know I'm getting old when I count my career in decades. Wrinkles are deeper and experiences never stop. So many stories in my memory bank. My wife says I should write a book... one day.
As a youngster, I couldn’t wait to leave school and start work. Since I was 15 years of age I began as a Tradie, then business owner, I trained apprentices, saved lives and have been flat broke after losing everything... twice! Not only monetary but almost my life!
So, if you haven't seen my video, please take a minute to see how easy a moment in life can take a turn but also for the better, which is the reason why I'm here today. I am sharing ‘Trev’s Story’ to reach out and bring awareness to all, with the message that you are not alone and we need to have a voice loud and clear against this silent killer and rid the stigma of shame that mental health carries and not to have lives wasted and lives devastated in the process.
Trev
Helen Renison
Director
I have owned and managed several businesses throughout my working career - between getting my hands dirty, swinging a sledgehammer, holding the smart end of a tape measure (the joys of being married to a builder) sorting the bookwork, waiting for payments to come in and packing lunches the night before so we can do it all again the next day.
Consequently, I have become accustomed to the ups and downs of surviving the challenges of running a business (through blood, sweat and even tears.)
As for my working career now, I have been a therapist for the past 12 years whilst running alongside my husband’s business dotting the ‘i’s and crossing the ‘t’s. (Fine print in the wedding vows when you marry a tradie.)
Fast forward and a long time coming, we now have a platform to extend our heartfelt experiences to those who may be in need of support and understanding.
Making a difference doesn’t take a lot. Sharing experiences or just a simple smile can mean the world to someone.
Our goals now are bigger than any business can ever provide as there is no price on being able to save a life.
Helen
Phil Lodder
Manager
I have been involved in the building and construction industry as a carpenter for several decades which is where I first met Trev. We became good mates exchanging stories for a good laugh as we sat on saw stools over smoko. (and many stories from Trev.)
I'm still currently swinging a hammer, I’m a bit slower these days but the love is still there.
Throughout my career, I deviated for a few years for a change into the police force where, after some time, found it difficult to continue after witnessing disturbing events that had left me traumatised.
Finding myself not in a good mental place, broke and homeless, my only way through this period in my life was finding solace in the bush. Camping off the grid for some time was how I found my peace within.
Since then I got back on the tools and have married. I live in northern Victoria, where my passion for helping others through Trev’s story resonates with me on many levels. It was an easy decision to become part of this bigger picture.
Just like me, everyone has a story to tell - they may be different, but they are what make us.
Proud to be a part of Trev's Story to help make a difference.
Phil
Ben Renouf
Manager
When I was younger, going to work with Dad became a common occurrence on school holidays for me and my brother. From a young age, I got to experience the joys of waking up at the crack of dawn, working for 8 hours and getting paid in cash at the end of the day. However, my strongest memories are from the tradies on site, most commonly at smoko. Every one of them was a character - or had character.
Since then, I decided in pursuing a career in communication design - which, in turn, led to Trev initially asking me to create a website for him in Trevs Story’s infancy stage. From the beginning, I could see the passion behind the project, and how Trev, Helen and Phil’s experiences and drive meant that the only option for Trevs Story was to expand as large as possible, and save as many lives as possible.
From that point, I have worked to use my skills to elevate the charity in any way that I can, as I know that Trev’s story, unfortunately, is one that many tradies can relate to.
Ben
What is Trevs Story?
Trev’s Story is a charity dealing with Mental Health and the prevention of suicide within the trade industry. Our team is a highly passionate group of people that share a pro active approach towards mental health and suicide prevention. Our belief is that prevention is the way forward. Our ground troops conduct group or one on one meetings with tradies and businesses alike. Each speaker is a Tradie and a suicide survivor, all of which have experienced the dark path so are well qualified to discuss the issues of Suicide and Mental Health.
With a variety techniques to handle different situations, the team first establish any issues through discussions to find the best approach to implementing a plan of action. Discussions are almost always aimed to the source and at a grass roots level. Speaking directly one on one or to a group, giving training to management teams and HR departments is all a part of working together. There is no one size fits all here, every situation is different as much as every person is different.
Programs like Marble for a Mate started with this very thought. Everyone in need is given a marble. All our marbles are predominately orange with a splash of colour making them all individual, just like each and every one of us. This reiterates our slogan, “you are not alone,” so when dark moments occur the marble is what reminds us of this and that we are one of many. Whether it’s kept in our pocket or in our console, a small but powerful tool in a tradies toolbox in helping combat the dark days. These and many other tools are what the team at Trevs Story use in our ongoing efforts towards Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.
Discussion forums are tailor made for each situation. For example: whether in an office environment or an on site situation, our talks take approximately 15 minutes. These involve a 3.5 minute video, followed by a discussion afterwards. Training of staff can be tailored to the requirements of each person/business or situation. Ongoing monitoring of a site or work group can be arranged to ensure good Mental Health procedures are continuing. Policies are only as good as the implementation and ongoing efforts.
Trev’s Story has secured the services of therapists in different modalities ready to help those in need. To best utilise these people at hand, funds are required. A purchase of an existing Wellness centre is being planned to give care and assistance to those who are in need - free of charge.
The statistics prove that for every $1.00 spent specifically towards Mental Health, a return of $2.30 in productivity in the workplace is realised.
With your help, by funding us, together we can help make a happier, healthier and safer workplace for all.
