Having a simple conversation with a friend, family member, coworker, or even a stranger, can not only give someone a sense of hope, belonging and connection, but can help save a life.
R U OK? Day, on 12 September 2024, is a national suicide prevention and public health campaign encouraging people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others through difficult times.
The R U OK? charity, now in its fifteenth year, has made it easier to start an ‘R U OK?’ conversation.
Foodbank WA CEO Kate O’Hara said that today, in 2024, people generally have a greater awareness and sensitivity to mental health and wellbeing.
“People are more comfortable seeking help and speaking about their lived experiences. It is easier than ever to access resources that may be helpful in supporting wellbeing,” Ms O’Hara said.
“We also have a broader view of mental health and that it is not a one-size-fits-all approach. For example, if you look at the shift in understanding neurodiversity and how small changes to the workplace, neurodiverse people can thrive and bring enormous value.”
A safe space
With people at the heart of organisations like Foodbank, Ms O’Hara said it’s important to offer a safe space in workplaces so that staff feel they can open up about worries and access mental health assistance if needed.
“By fostering a supportive environment, we empower our staff to grow, collaborate and thrive. Prioritising their wellbeing and development ensures a culture of trust and engagement, ultimately benefiting our customers. We couldn’t do what we do without them. Their passion, dedication and creativity drive success,” Ms O’Hara said.
Foodbank offers employees traditional support such as an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) service, since 2015, and they have a mental health first aider in the Perth branch. The charity also offers staff an annual $100 wellbeing allowance to provide the opportunity for them to try something to support their health and wellbeing.
In addition, Foodbank WA launched its own wellness platform in partnership with Happiness Co this year.
“Work is just one part of our lives and there is so much more that can influence a person’s wellbeing. In addition to diagnosed mental health conditions, everyone has concerns including family wellbeing, ageing parents, chronic illness, relationship struggles and, of course, cost of living,” Ms O’Hara said.
“For some people, coming to work may be a place to escape some of their worries. Asking ‘R U OK?’ and putting sincere and meaningful support, without judgement, may be the first opportunity for someone to be heard and to start getting the support that they need.”
The conversation around mental health is crucial today, with loneliness, isolation and mental health concerns on the rise.
“Everyone’s lives are so busy and in the digital age it is much harder to switch off. People are exposed to more content and comparison and these things tend to amplify feelings of isolation, failure and loneliness,” Ms O’Hara added.
Driving positive outcomes
Anglicare WA, an incorporated not-for-profit organisation dedicated to serving Western Australian individuals, families and communities, which has been in operation since 1976, delivers services throughout Western Australia, from Kununurra in the north of WA to Albany in the south.
“We aim to drive positive outcomes with those in need and to challenge barriers to thriving. Our services are available to people from all walks of life and our values underpin everything we do,” Anglicare WA CEO Mark Glasson said.
Over the past few years, Anglicare WA has seen increasing numbers of people presenting to its services experiencing co-occurring mental health issues, psychosocial complexity, and distress. “This has made the work we do more challenging and complex, and there are impacts on the wellbeing of our people,” Mr Glasson explained.
“In supporting clients, our staff are often exposed to confronting circumstances and experiences which exposes them to inherent potential psychosocial risks, with the most significant being vicarious trauma and burnout.”
Anglicare WA chief executive Mark Glasson.
Wellbeing action plan
As part of Anglicare WA’s Strategic Plan 2022-2025 initiative to ‘build mental health support capacity’ across the organisation, an internal Well@Work group developed a Well@Work Wellbeing Strategy and Action Plan 2023-25 through consultation with staff and an organisation wellbeing audit. Informed by Curtin University Future of Work Institute’s Thrive at Work Framework, the action plan provides strategic direction for Anglicare WA’s approach to workforce wellbeing.
“The Well@Work initiative has further embedded a culture of awareness, promotion and learning throughout all levels of the organisation to be actively engaged in psychosocial safety.
“This is by investing in training for frontline staff and leaders which provides practical and fundamental understanding of psychosocial safety with respect to the work they do and promoting events such as R U OK? Day and Mental Health Week to all staff and working to proactively challenge stigma relating to mental health in the workplace,” Anglicare WA mental health strategic project manager Lachlan Denning said.
The Well@Work initiative is also broadening the range of available resources to support staff, such as the creation of an EAP provider panel. “Given the diversity of our workforces, including diversity of beliefs and culture, our panel now includes an Aboriginal-owned and operated EAP service,” Mr Denning said.
“The outcomes achieved through our Well@Work initiative signify the importance to proactively seek continuous improvements to provide a mentally safe workplace that supports our staff who support the community,” he added.
