The Andrews Labor Government is backing our dedicated health workers through a new program that will help reduce the risk of mental injury.
The We Care initiative is one of six new projects to share in $8.9 million from the Labor Government’s WorkWell program, which aims to promote mental wellbeing by changing workplace cultures and practices.
Peninsula Health will lead a group of health services who will work together to reduce the risk of mental injury amongst their workers.
The health services invited to participate include Austin Health, Werribee Mercy Hospital, the Women’s, Northern Health, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Goulburn Valley Health, Western Health, Barwon Health and Eastern Health.
The program will involve health workers trialling a ‘tap out’ system to remove themselves from stressful situations to help reduce the risk of mental injury. It has the potential to help more than 80,000 health care workers and will involve developing new peer support programs and trialling changes to how jobs are rostered to reduce stress.
Staff will also trial specially designed staff sensory rooms or areas, to determine if they can help reduce the impact of workplace trauma and improve staff resilience.
Other organisations to receive funding under round two of the WorkWell program, which is run by WorkSafe, include:
- Australian Super for its Ageing Workforce Ready project, to protect and promote the mental health and wellbeing of ageing workers in the public transport industry
- Prevention United to develop its Wellbeing Track and Change project, which aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of frontline workers in residential aged care services
- Cross Yarra Partnership which aims to address mental health issues in the construction industry and reshape the sector’s culture as it undergoes unprecedented change
- Smiling Mind for work with Victorian primary school principals and deputy principals experiencing workplace mental health issues
- The Community and Public Sector Union, in partnership with the department of Justice and Community Safety and Health and Human Services – to develop customised resources that provide knowledge and skills for government departments to address the trauma needs of staff
Quote attributable to Minister for Workplace Safety Jill Hennessy
“Our hardworking health professionals and staff dedicate their lives to caring for Victorians every day – it’s so important we make sure they get the support they need to look after themselves.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos
“Health workers deserve the best care possible – this new program will make sure they get the support they need.”
Quote attributable to Member for Frankston Paul Edbrooke
“Peninsula Health do a great job supporting their workforce so it’s no surprise they’re going to lead this fantastic new program.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020