Big names in transport have jumped on board MHFA training for mental health
As R U OK? Day has passed for another year, it’s important to remember that checking in with your own or other’s mental health isn’t just a one day event.
Consistent conversations are imperative to the health and wellbeing of an individual, and knowing how to recognise when someone needs help could be lifesaving.
A national collaboration earlier this year saw a fresh focus on improving the mental health of the Australian transport, logistics and supply chain industry.
Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds (HHTS), Steering Healthy Minds (SHM), Toll Group and TrackSAFE Foundation teamed up to tackle the mental health crisis facing the industry through targeted, early intervention mental health training.
Jo Kitney, managing director of SHM, says there are unique mental health challenges facing the transport industry due to the nature of the work.
“Often, workers are isolated for long periods, exhibit lower physical health and are over
exposed to accidents on the roads. As a result, there is a higher incidence of mental stress,” Kitney says.
In Australia, research at Monash University suggests the transport and logistics sector has higher rates of suicide, and incidences of mental illness and psychological distress.
“The demographics seen in the transport industry can also be a compounding factor as
the average transport worker is middle aged and male, making them less likely to be
open about mental health,” Kitney says.
Partnering with Mental Health First Aid Australia (MHFA), the training reflects the unique and diverse workforce and mental health-related challenges across the expansive industry.
The practical, skills-based education program equips adults in the workplace with the skills and confidence needed to recognise and respond to a co-worker or another adult experiencing a mental health problem or crisis.
Individual participation is generally voluntary depending on the size of the organisation.
Since its inception and success, other transport workplaces have embedded MHFA training into their organisation to create a culture of care across their workplace.
V/Line, Transport for NSW, Aurizon, Henning Harders, Port of Brisbane and Rail Projects Victoria are among some of the organisations adopting this forward-thinking training.
Aurizon surveyed staff who had completed Mental Health First Aid training, revealing there was an increased confidence to help someone in need and start a mental health first aid conversation.
Participants even indicated they had also supported family, friends and other people in the community with their newfound skills.
MHFA says that after completion of the course, participants will be able to recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health problems in adults, use an evidence-based action plan to initiate a mental health first aid conversation and assess for a range of crisis situations and provide initial support.
To learn more, visit: https://mhfa.com.au/