The Federal Government’s $4.26 million budget shows its commitment to a new mental health program for small business owners.
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell, welcomes this plan.
“Mental health is proving to be the next big challenge to emerge from the Covid crisis and it is particularly impacting the small business community,” says Ms Carnell.
Beyond Blue will deliver the NewAccess for Small Business service, which will provide small business owners with access to free one-on-one telehealth sessions with specially trained mental health coaches.
This service is expected to commence early next year.
“Beyond Blue’s NewAccess service offers evidence-based, personal advice on strategies for managing stress.
“Crucially, it’s provided by specially trained coaches that have experience in small business. Being able to talk to someone who understands the mental load of running a small business will make a real difference.”
The services involves, participants having six one-on-one sessions with their designated coach.
The coaches will, “…use evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy to support them to overcome stress and manage anxiety and depression.
“NewAccess is a proven early intervention service with average clinically-validated recovery rates of 70%,” says Ms Carnell.
The program can be found fully integrated into the My Business Health web portal.