MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM
Peter Sheldon-Collins - ProgramManager
The Tasmanian Hospitality Association has launched the first four videos in a series of ‘Lived Experience’ videos. The series is being developed in collaboration with Lifeline Tasmania to normalise the conversation around mental health issues in the hospitality industry and provide meaningful resources for people who are experiencing similar challenges. The first video features industry stalwart Carl Windsor’s powerful story and his challenges with anxiety and depression.
The Lived Experience video series has been supported by the Tasmanian Government and is part of the formal working partnership between Lifeline Tasmania and the Tasmanian Hospitality Association, announced in April 2021. The partnership allows the organisations to work collaboratively to develop important initiatives to best support the mental health of hospitality operators and workers, 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 second video released features owner/operator of Stillwater, Stillwater Seven and Black Cow Bistro, Bianca Welsh. Bianca shares her story of identifying and helping a colleague through a mental health crisis. Bianca says “My passion for studying and promoting good mental health and creating a strong wellness culture started almost a decade ago when I helped one of my staff through a situation that stemmed from substance abuse” Bianca said. Since then, through working with my team, I’ve experienced a range of mental health illnesses and poor mental health in the workplace. I now hope to share that knowledge with other owners and operators in an effort to better retain our amazing people and attract people to our thriving industry”.
Restaurateur Carl Windsor Carl Windsor, owner of North Hobart venue Willing Bros., shared his poignant story with mental health challenges to help other people in the industry feel less isolated and encourage them to seek help. The video explores the challenges Windsor faced and the impacts on his personal and professional life. “There was a lot going on in my life and I just didn’t really know what to do. I got to the point where I was looking at myself and saying can I still go on?” Windsor explains in the video. Importantly, the videos also include guidance from Lifeline experts to give context, clarity and direction for viewers, in order for them to find meaningful support if and when they need it. THA CEO Steve Old said “these clips are really powerful tools to reach people who are struggling with the demands of the hospitality industry and direct them to the best support mechanisms. I applaud Carl’s bravery and selflessness in telling his story in an effort to help others”.
Restaurateur Bianca Welsh with Lifeline Tasmania’s Clare Pearson
THA HOSPITALITY—REVIEW: JUNE 2021 | 14
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