VIC: atWork Australia’s Disability Employment Services Melbourne team hosted a Mental Health Month afternoon tea on Wednesday 31 October 2018, raising awareness of the prevalence of mental health conditions and to discuss the benefits of work on our health, including our mental health and wellbeing.
Three speakers captivated the room including the Work Health Group CEO David Sagar who spoke about mental health conditions in Australia and beyond, and the benefits of work on health, including mental health. Dorothy Frost, who heads up the Work Health Group’s Research and Innovation team (of which atWork Australia is a part of), presented on our in-house developed coaching and learning program Positivum and how it helps jobseekers overcome barriers to obtaining and sustaining employment – specifically their beliefs and perceptions about health and working. Shaun Pianta, atWork Australia’s Disability Employment Services Ambassador shared his journey on losing his vision, joining the Paralympics, the challenges he had to overcome along the way (including how he maintained good mental health), and how work has changed his life for the better.
Attendees included various employers, community organisations and department representatives, all coming together to discuss and reflect on the importance of work on life and health, including mental health. The event also encouraged attendees to think about their mental health and wellbeing, and how society can help reduce the stigma around mental health conditions.
Images – Guests enjoy hearing the event’s guest speakers.
One in five Australians aged 16-85 experience a mental health condition each year – most commonly depression, anxiety, substance abuse. With one in five Australian’s experiencing a mental health condition, the chances of someone close to you experiencing a mental health condition is high.
atWork Australia is committed to providing truly excellent employment support services, making a real difference to people’s lives and helping employers to find truly great people for their business. We know the positive impact work can have on your health, including your mental health.
You can visit our atWork Australia Melbourne team at any of our various Disability Employment Services Melbourne offices, or call us on 1300 080 856 today to find out more about our Disability Employment Services and how we can help jobseekers improve their mental health and wellbeing through meaningful and lasting employment.