Mental health is just as important as physical health, and there has never been a year in our lifetimes when this has been more vital. The Gold Industry Group’s community partner, mental health charity LIVIN, have adapted to the impacts of COVID-19 by now providing their essential mental health support program online.
LIVIN have witnessed the need for mental health support and education grow daily at an unprecedented rate since the aftermath of the 2019-2020 Australian bushfires. Now, with the impacts of COVID-19, they recognise that most people have had to evolve their usual routines and change the way they work.
LIVIN have championed workplaces to create and nurture a culture in which staff are encouraged to speak up and reach out for help if needed, which includes providing mental health support and education.
Their LIVINWell Program, which promotes positive mental health in team environments, has traditionally been delivered by a trained facilitator in-person.
In adapting to continue to meet the community’s needs during this time, LIVINWell is now online. The evidence informed pre-recorded training sessions are 60-minutes and include an interactive Q & A session with a qualified Psychologist or LIVIN-qualified lived experience facilitator.
LIVIN CEO Casey Lyons said it’s no secret that the world has been turned upside down by COVID-19 and they wanted to find an alternate way to provide our support.
“While our in-person program is still extremely popular, our online LIVINWell mental health and stigma reduction program has no geographic boundaries, allowing us to reach more people than ever before.
“Thank you to Gold Industry Group for their continued support and dedication to our mission to break the stigma of mental health,” Mr Lyons said.
The sessions cover self-efficacy, warning signs and symptoms, as well as where to seek help. In addition, workers will gain practical strategies for monitoring and supporting their own mental health and the mental health of those around them; maintaining social connection during physical isolation; coping with change; and sitting with fear and uncertainty.
The online program are supplemented with LIVIN’s tips and tricks sheet and support posters, which can be printed and distributed around the workplace, and by connecting to LIVIN’s YouTube Channel for Podcast episodes and short videos on mental health tips.
SEEKING HELP
If you or someone you know needs help, reach out to start LIVINWell again.
Reach out: If you are struggling with anxiety or other issues, jump on to LIVIN’s online SANE Australia platform for an online chat 24/7, call your free Employee Assistance Program, or speak to your doctor about a mental health plan.
In an emergency: If you or someone you know are at immediate risk of harm, either to yourself or others, contact emergency services by phoning 000.
Crisis support: To speak to a mental health professional right now, phone:
Lifeline 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
Further resources: Visit LIVIN Get Help for more information on where to start, including these support organisations:
ABOUT OUR PARTNERSHIP
The GIG and LIVIN first began working together in 2017 to raise awareness of mental health and change the way that the gold industry and wider community understands, perceives and interprets mental illness.
Together, we’re providing the community with much needed practical tools to help themselves and others, encouraging them to speak up through the mantra #itaintweaktospeak. We’ve already delivered more than 60 relatable workshops before 2020, reaching thousands of workers, students and community members and sparking a movement where mental health is better understood.