Workplace grant program boosts mental health

The Resourceful Mind program was one of two mining initiatives that received funding under the State Government’s $8.4 million Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety (MARS) program.

The other successful mining initiative was a joint project between the Australian Institute of Health & Safety and PerMentis (FIFO Focus) that seeks to help companies develop internal capabilities to drive change in the Western Australian mining industry.

Four further programs received funding for initiatives that addressed mental health in general workplaces across the State. The successful applicants were the WA Centre for Rural Health, South West Aboriginal Medical Service, Juniper and People Diagnostix, and Pivot Support Services.

DMIRS Executive Director Regulatory Support Ivor Roberts said the grant program offered applicants $175,000 per year for up to four years.

“The department clearly recognises that workplaces can impact on mental health”, Dr Roberts said.

“Behaviours such as bullying, harassment, unreasonable demands and excessive control are totally unacceptable, and we will continue to work with industry and the community to minimise mental health risks and improve workplace culture.”

The MARS program is a multi-agency collaboration between DMIRS, the Mental Health Commission, Department of Communities and the Equal Opportunity Commission. It aims to boost responses to mental health, workplace culture and safety in WA's mining sector.

For more information on the Mentally Healthy Workplaces Grant Program, visit: https://www.dmirs.wa.gov.au/dmirs/mentally-healthy-workplaces-grant-program

For more information on the MARS program, visit: Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety (MARS) Program.