IT'S HOPE - Tanya Stephenson - The Grief Recovery Specialist Tasmania

29/04/2026

27/04/2026

22/04/2026

You're allowed to grieve someone who's still alive.

The parent who can't show up. The friend who walked away. The relationship that changed when they got sick. The version of someone you lost even though they're still in the world.

It's still a loss. Your body still feels it. Your heart still aches. And it still deserves to be grieved, even when the world keeps telling you "but they're still here."

If that's you today, you're not being dramatic. You're being human.

21/04/2026

Some mornings you wake up and the weight is already there before you open your eyes.

You don't need someone to fix it. You don't need someone to tell you it'll get better in time. You need someone to see it — to sit with you in it without flinching, without rushing you, without trying to reframe your pain into a lesson.

If that's where you are today, we see you. The grief is real. The weight is real. And you're not broken for still carrying it.

You're welcome here whenever you're ready. No timeline. No pressure.

20/04/2026

15/04/2026

Yesterday, it was refreshing to see the Hon. Mike Gaffney MLC, Member for Mersey, raise important issues around men’s health and wellbeing in Tasmania during his speech to the Legislative Council in the Tasmanian Parliament.

He highlighted a significant gap in government funding and called for a more proactive, community led response. He also spoke about ongoing gaps in social and structural supports, while acknowledging the encouraging “groundswell” of community action and new approaches emerging to address these challenges.

As he noted, “The recognition of the importance of the health and wellbeing of men and boys in Tasmania should be led by statistics.”

The Hon. Member also highlighted a number of positive initiatives currently underway through MRT, including the Building Pathways Program, as well as upcoming events such as the Men Against Violence community conversation and the Men’s Health Forum.

He further acknowledged the important role of TasMen following the continued success of the recent Tasmanian Men’s Gathering (TMG), and the growing demand for men’s groups across the state which provide spaces for genuine connection, support, and belonging.

He concluded by saying:
“We all have a role to play in supporting men,” and “No Tasmanian man should have to walk the path of life or reintegration alone.”

Watch the full speech via the Broadcast tab and scroll to the 37:45 mark (link in comments).

21/03/2026

I am deeply humbled and honoured to have been selected as a recipient of the 2026 LiFE Awards held in Tasmania.
I extend my sincere congratulations to my fellow award recipients, the National Association of Women in Construction – Tasmania, Cygnet Community Hub, Dr. Miranda Hann, and Albie House. It is a privilege to be recognised alongside such dedicated and inspiring contributors.
To the organisers, participants and nominees, this recognition belongs not only to those acknowledged here, but to everyone in our community who works quietly and tirelessly in this space. I would like to acknowledge and commend all those who remain committed to su***de prevention, whether formally recognised or not.
I accept this award not as an individual achievement but on behalf of the many people who contribute to do this important work every day.
My sincere thanks to the Tasmanian Su***de Prevention Community Network, Relationships Australia Tasmania, all sponsors and in particular Speak Up – Stay Chatty, the sponsor of my award category, for highlighting so many resources that can be utilised within the community for su***de prevention going forward.
I am also grateful to everyone we work alongside, especially those who took the time and care to submit and support nominations.
Most importantly, I thank my loved ones - my family, my friends and colleagues - both those here and those no longer with us. Your ongoing support, encouragement, and belief continue to inspire me more more than words can express.
I accept this award on behalf of everyone who works and continues to work with dedication and compassion to ensure this vital su***de prevention work carries forward.

24/02/2026

01/02/2026

The hidden grief behind bullying and cyber bullying today

Bullying has been around for a long time. It happens whenever someone or a group sees another person as different or less important.

What has changed is that bullying and cyberbullying now have stronger and longer-lasting emotional effects, often unrecognized as grief.