MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM
Peter Sheldon - Collins - ProgramManager
The Tasmanian Hospitality Association (THA) and Lifeline Tasmania have formed a partnership to deliver mental health support and services to Tasmania’s hospitality industry. 2020 was a devastating year for our business owners, operators and staff and we still have a long way to go before the future is more certain for everyone. The two organisations have been working together for some time, however the formal partnership allows for improved collaboration, particularly in this crucial time where the mental health of industry workers is so important after a difficult 12 months, and amid ongoing uncertainty. The THA and Lifeline Tasmania have both received additional funding from the Tasmanian government to maximise the support benefits for the 2500 hospitality businesses and 22,000 employees across the state. THA CEO Steve Old said “the hospitality industry can be really demanding at the best of times but the past year has been quite traumatic for many operators and workers, and the ongoing uncertainty only exacerbates the hardship they’ve already endured. We’re proud to form this partnership with Lifeline to find ways to best support operators and workers”. 1. THA’s Online Mental Health Resources During the second half of 2020 the THA developed an online web resource to assist hospitality business owners, operators and their staff navigate through what can be an overwhelming amount of information and support services available. This THA resource focussed on three key needs: •Understanding mental health; •How can I help my staff (and myself) if they are experiencing difficulties; and •How to develop a mentally healthy workplace.
This resource was well received when launched and continues updated regularly to provide the mot up to date, relevant information for anyone to access where and when they need it. You can access these resources on the THA website at https://tha.asn.au/mental-health-wellbeing 2.Lifeline Tasmania’s Free Minding Your Business Courses Lifeline Tasmania offers a range of training courses to assist venue owners, operators and their staff in managing mental health and to develop a mentally health workplace. The Minding your Business (MYB) program includes: •A free 60-minute introductory course on Mental Health in the workplace; •A free, two-day Mental Health First Aid training course; •A free, half-day Accidental Counsellor course; A free, one-day Crisis Communication Skills Course 3.The THA’s Mentoring Program The THA is also trialling a mentoring service so that hospitality businesses owners, operators and their staff can engage with experienced hospitality industry businesses owners, to learn how they have managed mental health issues in their workplaces and provide guidance and support where this is needed. Initially the trial mentoring service will be managed The THA has also developed a series of “Lived Experience” videos, to hear from people across the industry talking about their experiences, how they managedmental health issues in their workplaces, and to hear from Lifeline Tasmania about the steps that other businesses can take if they are facing the same difficulties. A key objective is to provide confidence to through referrals to the service by the THA. 4.The THA Lived Experience Video Series
THA HOSPITALITY—REVIEW: APRIL 2021 | 14
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