OzHelp expansion to Goulburn, Queanbeyan and NSW
OzHelp Foundation Regional Expansion aims to increase and further develop the geographic area covered by the OzHelp Foundation work-based program of support, advice and counselling for Building and Construction Industry members.
Aims
The OzHelp Foundation is a workplace based early intervention suicide prevention and social capacity building program.
It is built on a vision to enhance the resilience of workers, and strengthen the influence and support of leaders, within industry and community groups. OzHelp’s expansion into regional NSW brings all of the current training and services available within the ACT, into the surrounding region.
Duration
In 2007 commenced as a National Suicide Prevention Strategy funded project. OzHelp Foundation continues to provide work-based support and counselling for building and construction industry members in the ACT and surrounding NSW area.
Location
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.’
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The national office of OzHelp Foundation is located in Fyshwick, ACT. OzHelp Foundation also operates in Tasmania, Queensland, Western Australia, the Pilbara region and recently established a regional office in the Northern Territory. For more information about whether OzHelp Foundation can service your area or town, please call on 1300 OZHELP (1300 694 357).
Statistics indicate suicide mortality rates from the construction industry are 75% higher than average Australian male rates (43 per 100,000 – CBUS 1998-2004).
Model
The OzHelp training model is specifically tailored to both industry members and apprentices' needs. The model includes:
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Comprehensive training in life skills for apprentices;
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One-on-one ongoing support during traineeship from field officers;
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In-industry health promotion; and
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Free counselling services for building and construction industry members and family members, operating out of the National office in Fyshwick, ACT.
Activities
Various support services are available including:
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OzConnect on site BBQs for the sharing of information relating to suicide prevention and support services available to industry members;
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OzHelp Support services including one-on-one field visits to industry members;
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Assisting with referrals to local support services; and
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Tradies Tune Up – on site health and mental health checks with a registered nurse.
Extensive training available including:
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Lifeskills Toolbox– accredited 48 hours of training for apprentices including financial literacy, communication skills and anger management;
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SafeTALK – internationally renowned LivingWorks half-day training session on suicide prevention and awareness;
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Mates In Construction - Staying Connected – 3 hour training session for separated fathers;
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Financial Literacy;
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ASIST – Internationally renowned LivingWorks two-day training program including comprehensive coverage of suicide awareness and prevention; and
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Various other short courses in building life skills are available.
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.
Evaluation
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).
More information
For more information about OzHelp operations in regional NSW contact the office on 1300 OZHELP (1300 694 357). To find out more about OzHelp Foundation activities within the ACT visit the website or call 1300 OZHELP (1300 694 357).