Mental health support for hair, hotel & retail workers

By Our Reporter
0
984
Photo by Adam Winger

In a Victorian-first program to help small businesses, the Government is is providing mental health support directly to the owners and staff of hairdressing and beauty salons, pubs and retail stores.

Minister for Small Business Jaala Pulford said up to 10 industry and business associations would be backed to employ a mental health specialist in their team, providing direct support to small businesses that are doing it tough, an official press release said.

A specialist is already working within the Hair and Beauty Industry Association, the Australian Hotels Association and the Australian Retailers Association to identify the mental health and wellbeing needs of the associations’ members and staff and develop tailored support services.

Confirmed industry partners also include the Victoria Tourism Industry Council, the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Geelong Chamber of Commerce, Kinaway Chamber of Commerce, Commerce Ballarat and Be. Bendigo.

The Labor Government’s Wellbeing and Mental Health for Victorian Businesses program will provide customised support for association members, recognising that each industry faces different challenges now just as they did during the peaks of the pandemic last year.

The recruitment of mental health specialists for industry associations is the third phase to go live from the Government’s $26 million Wellbeing and Mental Health Support for Victorian Businesses Initiative.

The Partners in Wellbeing helpline (1300 375 330) provides free, confidential, professional advice and support to all Victorian small business owners seven days a week while a mental health first response training program has been run by St John Ambulance for chambers of commerce across Victoria.

The Partners in Wellbeing team will oversee the mental health specialists working in the industry associations and be a referral point for members who require ongoing wellbeing support and further professional advice.

Pulford said, “Putting mental health specialists on the floor and working closely with industry experts means that business owners and their workers can be supported in effective ways. Running a small business has many challenges and this program can make it easier for people who need help to reach out and make a connection.”


Follow The Indian Sun on Twitter | InstagramFacebook

 

Donate To The Indian Sun

Dear Reader,

The Indian Sun is an independent organisation committed to community journalism. We have, through the years, been able to reach a wide audience especially with the growth of social media, where we also have a strong presence. With platforms such as YouTube videos, we have been able to engage in different forms of storytelling. However, the past few years, like many media organisations around the world, it has not been an easy path. We have a greater challenge. We believe community journalism is very important for a multicultural country like Australia. We’re not able to do everything, but we aim for some of the most interesting stories and journalism of quality. We call upon readers like you to support us and make any contribution. Do make a DONATION NOW so we can continue with the volume and quality journalism that we are able to practice.

Thank you for your support.

Best wishes,
Team The Indian Sun

Comments