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Last week was a busy one for Everymind and our Ahead for Business team, with mental health for small business placed in the spotlight as part of a collaborative government led response.
Everymind participated in a Small Business Mental Health Roundtable chaired by Sen Michaelia Cash, Minister for Small and Family Business at Parliament House, followed by attendance and collaboration with regional small business owners and sole traders in South Australia as part of a national Small Business Fair.
Everymind Project Lead, Mental Health and Research, Peter McDermott said it was clear from discussion at the roundtable that mental health for small business is a highly important national priority.
“With more than four million small business owners and sole traders in operation across the country, small business are the largest employment sector in Australia and as such are an important setting for a focus on mental health,” Mr McDermott said.
“There were many organisations and voices around the table at the event in Canberra, but all agreed a tailored, specific and digital response developed specifically by small businesses for small businesses is important.
“Because at the end of the day, the healthier and more resilient a small business owner is, the healthier their business has the chance to be.
“We’re keen to get back out on the road to the upcoming Small Business Fair dates in regional New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland to continue discussions with small business owners on how they can make their mental health an achievable focus as part of their daily business practices.”
Ahead for Business is a fit-for-purpose response to the mental health and wellbeing needs of small business which has been allocated a $3.1 million federal government grant for a national roll out.
For more information about the Ahead for Business program, please visit: aheadforbusiness.org.au
The Small Business Fair is delivered by the Australian Department of Jobs and Small Business.
Published: 19 February 2019
