Support Act Reveals Pilot Phase Of 'Mentally Healthy Workplaces Program'

Support Act has just announced the pilot phase of its new initiative, the Mentally Healthy Workplaces Program.

Designed to promote mental health awareness, psychological safety, and positive cultural and behavioural change in the Australian music industry, Support Act’s new 18-month program – split into six three-month chunks – meets “eight of the 17 recommendations of the Music Industry Review,” Support Act CEO Clive Miller revealed in a statement.

Each chunk includes a Hero Offering workshop and quarterly perks, such as a dedicated well-being EDM, Digital Brunch Bootcamp and team Support Session.

“The Mentally Healthy Workplaces Program consolidates our training and resources into one program, with the aim of helping organisations of all sizes improve workplace health and safety,” Miller added.

“The program speaks to eight of the 17 recommendations of the Music Industry Review and is a practical and quantifiable means of making real progress towards sustained cultural and behavioural change.

“With the new Creative Australia Bill passing parliament last week, including the new Creative Workplaces body to raise and set workplace standards, there's never been a more important time for businesses to ensure their workplaces are mentally healthy.

“We’re excited by the initial response to the program and look forward to making it available more widely over the coming months.”

In addition to the Mentally Healthy Workplaces Program, Support Act will allow anyone not part of the trial to participate in the public access training programs, including Access All Areas: Active Bystander Training, Mental Health First Aid and Suicide Prevention Training. All training programs will be available to access via the Support Act website.

The Mentally Healthy Workplaces Program contains many industry-specific, evidence-based training modules, each delivered in collaboration with mental health, behavioural change and organisational psychology industry leaders.

Support Act will also help participants meet their legal obligations under the new Respect@Work legislation by taking proactive and meaningful action to prevent gender-based harassment, discrimination, bullying or victimisation from occurring in the workplace or connection to work. 

The Mentally Healthy Workplaces Program arrives alongside the music charity’s First Nations Strategic Plan, which promises culturally intelligent, respectful and trustworthy support to all First Nations people in the music industry.