Five organisations looking to make a difference to the mental health of Victorian workers have received funding to develop programs as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s WorkSafe, WorkWell initiative.
Grants totalling more than $3.3 million will go towards programs that address the mental health and wellbeing of shift workers, call centre employees, arts and entertainment industry employees, young workers and those who are expectant or new parents.
The grants were awarded from the Mental Health Improvement Fund, a core component of the $50 million WorkWell program announced last year by the Labor Government.
Organisations to receive funding include:
- The Arts Centre Melbourne – to expand the Arts Wellbeing Collective, a program supporting mental health for workers in the arts sector
- Gippsland Women’s Health and Wellington Primary Care Partnership – a project to develop positive mental health strategies for shift workers in rural and regional areas
- SuperFriend – a 20-month program to develop user-driven mental health programs and resources for contact centre staff working in insurance and superannuation
- The Centre of Perinatal Excellence and Transitioning Well – a project to support the mental health and wellbeing of expectant and new parents in the workplace
- The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry – a project to assist small and medium sized businesses to support the mental health of young workers.
A second round of Improvement Fund grant recipients will be announced in early 2019, and the third round of funding is also planned for early next year.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Finance Robin Scott
“We asked organisations that have the reach and resources to improve the mental health and wellbeing of Victorian workers to submit their best ideas, and we are delighted with the response.”
“These WorkWell programs that we funded are both innovative and sustainable, and will make a lasting difference to the lives of many Victorian workers.”
Quotes attributable to WorkSafe Chief Executive Clare Amies
“WorkSafe has been impressed by the number and strength of the applications for the Mental Health Improvement Fund.”
“We are heartened that so many organisations are interested in improving the mental health and wellbeing of Victorian workers, and are looking forward to seeing the positive impact that these projects will have in the groups they target.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020