Constructive Support for Mental Health Juliet Woodward explains the Importance of Mental Health in the Leisure Industry
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ommunity concern about mental illness has grown steadily in recent years, a concern which has skyrocketed because of COVID-19. Over the past few years, the most common reason people visit their local GP is related to a mental health concern (RACGP Health of the Nation). A staggering 45% of Australians will experience a mental illness in their lifetime (Black Dog Institute). Worryingly, mental illness is highest among younger people, which if not addressed may have a lifelong impact. Gaining timely access to mental health supports remains a major obstacle to addressing this challenge. Compelling research has shown that regular participation in physical activity can greatly assist a person to manage and improve their mental health, and this occurs across a range of conditions such as anxiety, depression, psychosis. The leisure industry offers a key avenue for supporting those who may experience mental illness to connect to regular physical activity in an environment that is welcoming, supportive and inclusive. Consequently, staff who work at leisure facilities play an important role in supporting the mental health of their local communities. As the main point of contact with customers at leisure centres, they essentially form the frontline support for interaction with members of the community seeking to improve their health and fitness. Placing an emphasis on mental health Recognising several years ago the avalanche of mental illness impacting the community and sport and physical activity sectors and how this may directly impact employees, Belgravia Leisure, in partnership with the Belgravia Foundation, initiated a strategy to support staff and community mental health. The holistic approach identified the key role that team 56 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 141
members within leisure facilities play in directly influencing positive mental health in customers, while also acknowledging that these same team members, their families and acquaintances may themselves be impacted by mental illness at any stage in their lives. From mid-2019, Belgravia Leisure trialled Mental Health First Aid training for staff in the leisure sector across five leisure facilities. The trial was a success and in February 2020, a project to provide Mental Health First Aid training to 1,100 staff members commenced, and when finished is expected to provide support for over 20 million visitors to venues under operation. Mental Health support programs were also initiated to support vulnerable youth and adults living with mental illness in local communities through the Take Charge! programs free, health professional referral-based programs that give access and support for participants encountering mental health challenges. The participants receive personalised support to engage in exercise at leisure centres for 60 days, followed by a negotiated co-contribution based on the individual’s financial situation for ongoing access to the facility. In addition to supporting communities, an Employee Assistance Program was also made available for all Belgravia employees to provide short-term and solutions focused counselling, providing access to immediate no-cost confidential support to staff. Belgravia Leisure Chief Executive, Nick Cox, who has always believed that mental health and the leisure industry are intrinsically linked, explains “our goal of connecting community to leisure and fitness extends to connecting our people to resources that enable them to improve their mental and physical health.
