Landscapers grow a culture of action and understanding

Landscapers grow a culture of action and understanding

Two Canberran landscapers are taking action to promote pro-active mental health and wellbeing sessions for the landscaping industry.

Martin Rolfe and Dan Cusack have been working away to shine a light on worker wellbeing and their hope is that a new program by OzHelp will give employers access to training and support for their people.

Martin, who is a board member of The Landscape Association, said the program is available via an online link or can be delivered face to face for members who reside in the Canberra region.

“This is a service that we hope the industry will welcome as it has been a tough year and with the uncertainty that the pandemic brings there is a lot going on for people right now”.

OzHelp is a leading provider of workplace wellbeing programs specialising in mental health and suicide prevention. Their program highlights that managing mental health is just as crucial as managing physical health. If you are feeling stressed at work, have worries at home or are struggling with unhealthy habits, it is important to know there is help to get things back on track.

Dan has long been a supporter of OzHelp since coming across their Tradies Tune Up on a Canberra worksite in 2018.

“Since completing a few programs with OzHelp, I’ve realised that everyone always has something going on, and it’s the awareness training and access to ongoing support that can really make a difference in people’s lives.”

“For too long there has been stigma associated with reaching out so it’s up to us as leaders to encourage workers to talk to someone, and often it is more appealing to talk to someone who is not a co-worker or boss” said Dan.

The Landscape Association CEO, Julie Krieger said the upcoming sessions with OzHelp provide an accessible service that will add value to members and their teams.

“This year, more than any other, supporting people to take care of their mental health – and that of the people in their teams – is vital. After drought, storms, bushfires, floods and a pandemic, with the uncertainty that they all bring, people can struggle. We want to ensure support is accessible and ultimately, to normalise the whole conversation around mental wellbeing.”

OzHelp’s one-hour session focuses on simple tips and an online health check, but importantly it’s the introduction to OzHelp’s team and 12 months of support that builds the ongoing connection. The session also helps participants to identify the signs that a mate might need a little extra support to get things back on track.

Wendy Prowse, OzHelp’s Business Development Director, welcomes the partnership with The Landscape Association.

“This partnership is an important first step in providing practical supports to people working in the landscaping industry. We are pleased to see the sessions proving to be popular, and we hope to support many more people working in the industry over the coming year as uncertainty continues to be a business and personal challenge.”

To register yourself or your workers click here

About OzHelp
OzHelp is a leading provider of workplace wellbeing programs specialising in mental health and suicide prevention.
The national not-for-profit is accredited under the National Standards for Mental Health Services, has been selected by the Federal Department of Health to deliver the National Suicide Prevention Leadership Strategy.

The Landscape Association and its members raised funds in 2018 to support OzHelp’s life changing work.