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Consulting Matters Corporate Social Responsibility
ADVANCING
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
ADVANCING AWARENESS OF MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL ILLNESS Australia Assists deployee Viliami is CAN HELP TO REDUCE STIGMA, AS WELL AS ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO supporting Tonga’s National Emergency SEEK SUPPORT. CONSULT AUSTRALIA CELEBRATES THE WORK OF OUR Office to build resilience Management against cyclones, floods and other hazards. MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE, COMPRISED OF OUR MENTAL HEALTH AMBASSADOR NETWORK AND MENTAL HEALTH WORKING GROUP, WHICH HAS PLAYED A VITAL ROLE IN EDUCATING OUR MEMBERSHIP ON THE REALITIES OF MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES, MENTAL ILLNESS, AND WORKPLACE SUPPORT STRATEGIES.
C onsult Australia celebrates the progress made by our member businesses in increasing their awareness and understanding of mental health. In our recent Industry Health Check, 62% of our member businesses reported that mental health and wellbeing is the most significant challenge they have faced over the past 12 months. While this statistic is alarming, it highlights the increased recognition in the importance of mental health.
Three years ago, Consult Australia launched our mental health initiative, pioneered by our former President, Gerry Doyle, and Consult Australia’s Chief Executive, Nicola Grayson. Gerry undertook a roadshow to raise awareness on mental illness and the importance of mentally healthy workplaces amongst members. This inspired our member businesses to share insights into their workplace mental health strategies through our Mental Health Knowledge Hub.
20 years ago, mentally healthy workplace strategies were few and far between. Michael O’Hanlon of MOH Advisory and former Workplace Engagement Manager of Beyond Blue, recently reminded our Mental Health Working Group of just how far industry and community attitudes have progressed. Having played a key role in the development of Beyond Blue’s National Workplace Program, Michael has seen firsthand the impact that education has had on reducing stigma in the workplace and the community at large.
This led to the launch of our thought leadership paper, Striving for Mentally Healthy Workplaces, developed by our Mental Health Working Group. The report showcases the work our member firms have done to create a work environment that builds the confidence and acceptance of employees seeking help by removing perceived barriers and simply being open about mental health. The report aims to continue our sector’s journey to creating mentally healthy workplaces.
