OzHelp expansion to Goulburn, Queanbeyan and NSW

 

This project proposes to widen the geographic area covered by the OzHelp work-based program of support, advice and counselling for apprentices within the construction industry.

Program duration

In 2002 OzHelp conducted a pilot phase and in 2007 commenced as a National Suicide Prevention Strategy funded project.

Location and people

OzHelp’s headquarters are in Canberra, ACT. They also operate in Tasmania, Queensland and Western Australia.

Above: an OzHelp participant  OzHelp support system coordinator Glenn Baird says: ‘Building individual resilience in apprentices is at the core of what we do. And while our program centres around Action Area 2 [individual resilience] we also have a strong focus on Action Area 3, that is, building community resilience in the building and construction industry.’

Statistics indicate suicide mortality rates from the construction industry are 75% higher than average Australian male rates (43 per 100,000 – CBUS 1998-2004).

Aims

OzHelp aims to develop a resilient and resourceful workplace to confidently face life’s challenges.

Activities

Extensive training including:

• Lifeskills – accredited 48 hours of training
• safeTALK – 3 hour training session on suicide prevention
• staying connected – 3 hour training session for separated fathers
• budgeting
• ASSIST – 2 day course covering first-aid in suicide prevention.

Model

The OzHelp training model is specifically tailored to apprentices' needs. The model includes:

• comprehensive training
• one-on-one ongoing support during traineeship from field officers
• industry health promotion
• counselling.

Lessons learnt

• Industry needs should inform resource development.

Evaluation information

OzHelp has been externally evaluated by the Hunter Valley Medical Research Institute. This evaluation included focus groups and questionnaires of people who work in both the building industry and mental health sector.

Project partners

OzHelp works in partnership with:

• Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU)
• Master Builders Association (MBA)
• Construction and Building Industry Super (CBus)
• Child Support Agency (CSA)
• Nutrition Australia
• beyondblue.

OzHelp provides referrals to:

• Richmond Fellowship
• Salvation Army
• Drug and alcohol programs
• CARE (financial assistance).

Resources

OzHelp have a range of factsheets covering:

• bullying
• depression
• work-related stress
• drugs and alcohol
• mental health

For a copy of these fact sheets visit the OzHelp website.

Contact

For more information about OzHelp, visit their website or call 1300 OZHELP (1300 694 357).