New approaches to mental health at work

Forty two staff from Care Connect offices in Queensland's Banyo and New South Wales' Tweed Heads took part in a series of workshops exploring the prevalence and complexity of mental illness as well as strategies to reduce stress at work.

“Supporting mental health is an important part of our service for everyone that we work with at Care Connect – regardless of whether you come to us because of ageing, disability or mental health experiences,” says Rachel Green, Care Connect director of mental health services.

“So, we asked the question: If mental wellbeing is critical for all sorts of people, shouldn’t we start with our own people? How can we better support our staff to enhance their understanding of mental health issues, and to build resilience in the workplace?” Ms Green says.

Nationally 45% of Australians experience a mental health issue at some point in their lives.

“When you apply this figure to the workplace, it opens up an important conversation about just how common mental health experiences are,” she says.

“We then asked staff to explore strategies they could use to reduce workplace stress for themselves and their colleagues – these included simplifying language, improving communication, self care exercises and even just acknowledging our emotions.”

Post workshop, staff will continue with their healthy workplace work by recording the instances where they use the strategies, to measure their progress and assess the effectiveness of the workshops.

Care Connect is a home care provider in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, working with people to live independently at home and in the community. Care Connect provides information, advice and guidance to assist people navigate and access support services they need to live the life they want. Staff specialise in coordinating services with people of all ages and abilities including children, young people, adults, older adults and carers.

Mental Health Week is held across Australia from 5 –12 October 2014.