Mental health of young workers

Mental health of young workers was the focus this week as the NSW Government, Safework NSW, UNSW and the Mental Health Commission of NSW joined forces to host a series of forums titled ‘Let’s talk Young Workers’ Mental Health Collaboration.’

Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said SafeWork NSW is co-hosting along with the university, and the Mental Health Commission of NSW.

Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said: “There are more than half a million young workers in NSW so understanding how they think, feel and operate can make an enormous difference to workplace mental health.”

“It’s about fostering open conversations between young workers and their employers so they feel better supported in the workplace.”

Kean said speakers at the event included 2017 Tasmanian Young Australian of the Year Mitch McPherson, who established the SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY suicide prevention charity following the suicide of his younger brother Ty, and NSW Advocate for Children and Young People Andrew Johnson.

“Beyondblue Youth Ambassador Tara Lal, CEO of Youthsafe Warren Johnson, and Jim Kelly from SafeWork NSW also held panel discussions at the event,” Kean said.

“The range of speakers also demonstrates how mental health does not discriminate, and can affect people of any age in any place – including the workplace.”

“In fact, one in six working-age people suffer from a mental illness, with ABS data also revealing that 26% of people aged 16-24 have had a mental disorder in any given year,” Kean said.

“Without proper workplace support in place, mental health illness can cause greater absenteeism, increased compensation claims, and higher turnover.

“This seminar is all about hearing people’s experiences, and helping business find ways to better support the mental health of young workers.”

Image sourced from Flickr cc: Garry Knight