A national awareness campaign about a free tailored mental health support service for small business owners has begun, amid new research revealing the emotional toll on small business owners during the past year.
The Australian ³ΤΉΟΝψ and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson says the awareness campaign will raise awareness about Beyond Blueβs program, which offers free one-on-one telehealth sessions with specially trained mental health coaches.
βIt is vital small business owners know that help is available if they need itβ Mr Billson says.
βNew Access for ³ΤΉΟΝψ Owners offers free one-on-one telehealth sessions with specially trained mental health coaches providing evidence-based advice on strategies for managing stress.
βCrucially, the New Access for ³ΤΉΟΝψ Owners program is delivered by coaches that have experience in small business. It really helps to know that the person youβre speaking with understands what it takes to run a small business.
βWe know many small business owners have been hit hard throughout the pandemic, particularly with going in and out of lockdowns and restrictions, and that has understandably taken a toll.
βNew research released by Xero has found almost 7 out of 10 (68%) of 500 small business owners surveyed reported the past 12 months have been more emotionally draining than any other year theyβve been in business.
βIt also found small business leaders have collectively lost more than eight million hours of sleep each week due to the demands of running their small business. Trouble sleeping can be a sign of stress.
βItβs important small business owners understand if they look after their mental health, they can also help their business.
Beyond Blueβs New Access for ³ΤΉΟΝψ Owners program is available now.