Not For Profits are gap fillers – the organisations that step in when resources from other sources run dry. As RU OK Day approaches, the gap that needs filling – as ever – is in the delivery of mental health assistance. Some of WA’s leading NFPs use the opportunity of this high-profile day to raise awareness for much-needed funds, and highlight the services available for those who may be in crisis and not sure where to turn.
Advocates for young future leaders
NFPs provide vital support for those in society who may otherwise fade into the background. For Subiaco-based zero2hero, it’s a role they take very seriously, especially as they largely deal with children and young people. Their mission is to increase the understanding of mental health issues and the awareness of mental health services among children and young people, through innovative programs, events and education like "zero2hero ay" and Camp Hero. They’re initiatives which are specifically designed to equip school-aged children and teenagers with the skills to speak up when they are struggling, and express the confidence to stand up and support their friends when they may be experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, bullying, self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
In short, the organisation is laying the foundations to unleash the heroes of today to become the leaders of tomorrow via a pathway to good mental health.
Ashlee Harrison, zero2hero’s CEO, sees RU OK Day as an opportunity to amplify her organisation’s work and message.
“Days like RU OK Day provide a platform for workplaces to engage in open dialogue about mental health and additionally provides awareness and vital funding for NFPs,” she said.
“However, it is incredibly important that a focus of the mental health and wellbeing is not just a focus on this one day a year. Asking RU OK and supporting those that are not OK is just as important on all the other days of the year.”
The work of NFPs like zero2hero is a year-long effort, with ongoing programs in place to provide support and advice to youngsters who may be struggling at home or school.
“NFPs provide mental health support, programs and advocacy that is vital for the health and wellbeing of our country,” said Ms Harrison.
“Our organisation has empowered thousands of West Australians with the skills required to prevent suicide, and fortunately many of those people have been able to use those skills to help a friend or family member with thoughts of suicide. I would hate to imagine a world where charities or NFPs weren’t around.”
The benefits of working for an NFP are also worth highlighting in a world where the pursuit of corporate success appears to supersede other end results.
“Working within NFPs or the social sector provides a fulfilment that can be harder to find within the for-profit or corporate sector,” said Ms Harrison.
“Personally, I feel a lot happier working for purpose than I did working for profit. Our organisation offers staff flexible working arrangements and we also invest in personal and professional development for our team.
“Additionally, most NFPs would have salary sacrificing available, helping provide staff with a competitive advantage.”
At Foodbank WA, the benefits of volunteering are plain to see, says CEO Kate O’ Hara.
“Our staff and volunteers are passionate about their purpose and why they do the job that they do,” she said.
“It can be a great feeling to go home from work each day knowing you have made a real difference in the community.”
A support system for all
NFPs contribute to the importance of mental health of the community-at-large, to businesses and within their own organisation. RU OK Day may be just one day on the calendar, but it plays a valuable role in reminding everybody, whether working in the sector or not, to ask this question on the regular.
“Many NFPs are established to support people’s mental health, or who are in crisis,” said Ms O’Hara.
“Campaigns like RU OK day help raise awareness of mental health but can also help facilitate conversations that may prevent people from reaching crisis point.
“NFPs may also be on the front line dealing with people in crisis in terms of the staff who man the phones or deal face-to-face with clients,” she said.
“As such, it is important that they have effective wellbeing and mental health programs to help staff handle their day-to-day situations.
“At Foodbank WA we understand that people under food and financial stress can experience heightened mental health stress. By helping reduce their food stress we hope this helps ease other stresses in their lives.”
Lessons learned from NFPs
Since many NFPs are intimately familiar with the challenges of living with mental health issues from a service delivery point of view, it’s important for them to also offer insight into how they can teach corporates about the mental health space. Those who work for NFPs are often involved from a person motivation point of view, gaining valuable boost thanks to the positive results the organisations can deliver to those most in need.
Zero2Hero’s CEO Ashlee Harrison has experienced the differences between approaches of the corporate world and those operating in the NFP space – with lessons to be learned on both sides.
“I once participated in a 12-month program where charity leaders were paired with corporate leaders,” she said.
“The design was that the corporates would support NFP leaders with how to operate from the “head” more and charity leaders would help corporates operate from the ‘heart” more.
“There is a vulnerability and collaboration, if done right, in working for purpose for a common goal that is bigger than oneself and I believe that the corporate sector would really benefit from this style of leadership and teamwork.”
For Foodbank WA’s Kate O’ Hara, volunteers provide the lifeblood of the organisation she oversees, and the benefits of people giving their time and compassion are rewarding on so many levels.
“Volunteering in particular creates improved social connections and a sense of purpose, it provides a sense of belonging and can stimulate both mental and physical wellbeing,” she said.
Social connections made through volunteer positions are often lifelong and additional skills picked up through volunteer roles can help with employment and career progression.
“It is very rewarding working towards a greater purpose for both staff and volunteers; we often get to see the results from customers (either in person through their feedback or on social media) which is very rewarding and drives us to keep doing what we are doing.”
A simple question could change everything
RU OK Day is more than the sum of its parts; it’s a national reminder to ask a simple question of your nearest and dearest, the person you sit next to at work, or see every day at the gym. But it’s also the chance for NFPs to insert themselves into the national consciousness and remind corporate organisations that it may be time for a mental health check in the board room too.
Kate O’ Hara appreciates the publicity the day affords organisations like Foodbank WA.
“It helps show the importance of the work we do,” she said.
“Many people may not think our cause would be directly linked with mental health, so RU OK Day allows us to show what we do from a different and very important perspective.
It also allows the NFPs to reach out to staff and volunteers who often go above and beyond to turn around and put some focus on them, the people behind the scenes.
“It also helps reduce stigma of reaching out for help – and that can only be a very good thing for everybody.”
