Being mentally healthy is just as important as being physically healthy – but research shows that people often hold back when it comes to talking about mental health in the workplace.
Up to 50% of employees with mental health challenges don’t disclose it, making it critical to create a work environment where our people are comfortable coming forward. That means looking after our own mental health and looking out for our colleagues in the same way we do with physical safety risks.
I know how important it is to speak up and ask for help if you need it. I lost two close friends within six months to their struggle with the ‘black dog’ and I know all too well the devastating impact of mental health challenges – not just on the individual but on the family and friends that are left behind. Speak up if you need help or start a conversation if you have concerns about someone else. This can actually save a life.
– Leanne, Senior Safety Advisor
Our Employee Assistance Program – there for you 24/7
Sometimes you may need help to get through a challenging time, at work or at home, and this can start with a conversation.
All Ventia employees and their families have access to confidential counselling through our free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), provided by Assure. It’s staffed by experienced psychologists, on hand 365 days a year to discuss any issue that’s weighing on your mind.
I’m a private person and usually don’t talk about my issues with others but after I became sick, I became very down. The financial pressures also played on my mind as I’ve always been the bread winner. Looking back, I feel lucky I was able to discreetly contact Ventia’s EAP because talking to someone a couple of times really made a difference to how I was feeling.
This, and the support I got from Ventia around returning to work got me through a dark time in my life. Life is back to normal for me now, but I will always be grateful and I’m a big advocate for reaching out and talking to someone.
– John, Motorway Patroller
Encouraging conversations, supporting communities
The good news is that the perception of mental health in Australia and New Zealand is changing. In the words of former Prime Minister Julia Gillard, now the Chair of Beyond Blue, “Mental health is on the community’s radar, people are more prepared to discuss and act on their own mental health than ever before.”
As well as making sure help is there when you need it most, we’re proud to support a range of organisations dedicated to opening up the mental health conversation in our own workplace and beyond.
Throughout the year, we run awareness campaigns and we back mental health initiatives that benefit the broader community, such as Men’s Health Week, R U OK? Day, Movember, as well as PukaUp’s Grand Tour and Gumboot Up in New Zealand.
Beyond Blue was selected as the overall People’s Choice Charity for the 2018 Ventia Awards. Beyond Blue provides information and support to help people achieve their best possible mental health and we are proud to be a supporter.
We also have relationships with external organisations that provide dedicated mental health training – including ‘Mates in Construction’ (MIC), a leading industry association for suicide prevention.
Many of our sites are accredited with MIC and over 180 of our people have completed ‘Connector’ training giving them the skills and education to keep their mates safe while at the same time connecting them to professional help.
Remember, if you are going through a tough time, you’re not alone. Please reach out for support.
