The challenges we are all facing with COVID-19 are universal with every person in the world affected directly or indirectly. It’s a very sobering reminder how important looking after our health and the health of others both physically and psychosocial is.

As an industry we have been advocating for the health and safety of the Australian workforce and society for decades and during this time we can continue to advocate and help others navigate through the current challenges. We can’t eliminate the impacts on people of shutdowns but we can help to mitigate those impacts by looking after ourselves, our loved ones, our workplaces and leading by example.

It has been great to see that many of our business members are offering guidance on the physical hazards and how to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. I addition to those efforts the AHCA would like to highlight the importance of everyone’s (including your) mental health, as hundreds of thousands of people have quickly turned their homes into places to work with minimal interaction with colleagues, family, friends and nowhere to blow off steam it can be no surprise that peoples mental health is being effected.

If you haven’t already done so, we’d strongly encourage you to check in with your family, your colleagues and your clients.
 
Everyone please look after your health and wellbeing we’re in this together and remember none of us should be too proud to reach out.

Please keep safe and make sure you find a balance between contributing to your work and ‘being there’ for the most important people in your life. There’s simply nothing more important.

If you or someone you know needs help the following services are available:

Beyond Blue

The new Beyond Blue Corona Virus mental well-being support service is up and running. Beyond Blue has begun providing 24/7 mental health support, both online and by phone, delivered by mental health professionals (in conjunction with Medibank). It is providing information and advice around coping with COVID-19, isolation and connection, workplace and financial hardship, and how best to support the mental health of others.

https://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au

Talk to a trained mental health professional any time of the day or night. Calls are confidential. They will listen, provide information and advice and point you in the right direction to seek further support.
Get in contact at 1300 22 46 36

Mates in Construction

MATES recognise the massive and rapid change to our everyday lives and work situations. This can have an impact on workers mental health and that of their families. MATES field officers are visiting construction sites, in accordance with site management and government advice, to hand out Fact Sheets and helpful advice with links to information about financial hardship, being out of work and mental health related issues.

Visit the website www.mates.org.au to download Fact Sheets and discover the other benefits offered.
Get in contact at 1300 642 111

Lifeline

24-hour crisis support telephone service. Lifeline provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Get in contact at 131 114

Kids Helpline

A telephone counselling support line for children and young people ages 5 to 25 and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Get in contact at 1800 551 800

NSW Mental Health Line

A mental health professional will answer your call about mental health concerns for you or someone you are concerned about, including children, teens, adults and older people.
Get in contact at 1800 011 511

Suicide Call Back Service

National services that provides free 24/7 phone, video and online professional counselling to people who are affected by suicide.
Get in contact at 1300 659 467