Council recognises the importance of employee mental health wellbeing

Published on 05 July 2022

Mental illness is very common with one in five (20%) Australians experiencing some type of mental illness in any year with only 35% of people seeking help.  Liverpool Plains Shire Council has recognised the importance of raising awareness of this illness and has commenced a wellbeing initiative for staff.

Kate Arndell from the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) held an Employee Wellbeing workshop called “Sconversations” which was developed from the concept that important conversations are often held over a cup of tea and a scone.

The key aspects delivered in the workshop provided employees with increased knowledge on understanding and managing stress and anxiety, signs and symptoms of mental health, how to have a conversation with someone you are worried about, the importance of looking after yourself during tough times and where to go for help and support.

The knowledge that was gained assisted not only the employee in the workplace but also how to recognise symptoms within their family, friends and fellow community members, and most importantly how to seek help.  The brochure “How are you going? What can you do?” provided an easy checklist to assist in recognising where you are at on a “Well” to “Unwell” scale and what support may be required.

Mental health is about self-awareness and rural and remote areas have a greater risk of mental health illness and suicide. RAMHP have developed a range of self-help tools to assist in improving and managing common mental health conditions. These tools can be found on their website at https://ramhp.com.au/downloadable-resources