Businesses are being encouraged to provide input into the State’s new mental health blueprint, with the final framework to inform a suite of policies and best-practice initiatives to be implemented across the community.

Released during WA Mental Health Week, the WA Mental Health Commission survey will help build the new WA Mental Health Wellbeing Framework, which will “identify the initiatives that optimise wellbeing, keep people well and prevent mental health conditions”.

The initiatives will then be delivered across the whole community, including in work, education and recreation settings.

The framework will also provide a guide for government agencies, community organisations and private industry to progress their own mental health wellbeing initiatives.

Take the WA Mental Health Commission survey here.

It comes as a new Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry report found workplace mental health was at breaking point, with small businesses facing myriad challenges in managing their own mental health, their employee’s mental health and numerous intersecting workplace regulations.

The report, Small Business, Mental Health; navigating the complex landscape, revealed:

• Small business owners self-report stress levels and rates of mental ill-health that are higher now than in comparison to before the pandemic.
• The current regulatory landscape relevant to managing and supporting mental health at work is increasingly complex, with five primary pieces of legislation to comply with.
• An increasing trend of regulation, coupled with the increasing pressure COVID has created on small business owners and their employees, is not sustainable.
• Small businesses are not receiving the compliance assistance and general support that they want.
• A broad comprehensive strategy and further targeted support is needed to promote increased employment and participation of those with a mental health disorder.

WA Mental Health Week, which runs October 9-16, is an ideal opportunity for everyone to stop, think and choose to make their own mental health a priority.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on people’s mental health, and CCIWA is encouraging all businesses to make mental health awareness a priority in the workplace.

Read more: Mental health at work – why it’s everyone’s concern

The WA Mental Health Wellbeing Framework survey is anonymous and open until November 5, 2021.

 

For more on WA Mental Health Week visit www.mentalhealthweek.org.au.

For mental health and wellbeing information go to www.thinkmentalhealthwa.com.au.

For immediate support call Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 for free counselling. In a crisis situation call Lifeline on 13 11 14. In a medical emergency call 000.