Grants to improve Mid West mental health in workplaces with UWA and WACRH in Geraldton and Pilbara

A mental health grant program will see organisations share half a million dollars in funding a year across four years, boosting mental health and support in the workplace. Based in Geraldton, The WA Centre for Rural Health (WACRH) of the University of Australia (UWA) is one of 17 university departments, aimed at improving rural, remote and Aboriginal health through research, education, student support and community service activities. WACRH, South West Aboriginal Medical Service, Juniper and People Diagnostix and Pivot Support Services will share in $500,000 as part of the State Government’s grants for initiatives that promote positive work and worker wellbeing. The Mentally Healthy Workplaces Grant Program will encourage the health and safety of workers and workplaces, improving mental health for Australian workers. UWA lecturer and leader of the WACRH mentally healthy workplace intervention Julie Loveny said research showed health and human service workers were at significant risk of burnout and mental health issues, and according to Safe Work Australia, had very high mental health related workers’ compensation claims. “In Western Australia, the demands on this workforce have increased with the community transmission of COVID and borders now being reopened,” she said. “We’re also acutely aware of the ongoing challenges to recruit and retain capable staff, including leaders in regional areas where the workforce turnover can be high.” Ms Loveny said the learnings would help to inform how health and human services could build positive work practices, cultures and support while attracting and retaining staff in the regions. “It’s a great outcome for our regions, linking very nicely with efforts around the Community Respect and Equality initiative in Geraldton and Safe and Respectful Pilbara,” she said.