Ombudsman welcomes funding for critical small business mental health program

Donna Acioli — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 21:26:11 +0000

Ombudsman welcomes funding for critical small business mental health program Donna Acioli Fri, 01/14/2022 - 08:26

13 January 2022

Ombudsman welcomes funding for critical small business mental health program

The Australian �Թ�� and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has welcomed the Australian Government’s commitment to renew funding for a critical mental health program tailored to small business owners.

Acting Minister for Small and Family Business Anne Ruston announced today that an additional $4.6 million in funding will ensure Beyond Blue’s New Access for �Թ�� Owners program can expand and continue to assist small business owners who need mental health support.

A further $2.1 million has also been announced to extend the �Թ�� Debt Helpline for 2022.

“I commend the Australian Government for supporting small business with this vital funding announcement,” Mr Billson says.

“Small business owners have endured so much over the past two years, pummelled by the pandemic and natural disasters. The road to recovery has been lengthy and challenging and that has understandably taken a toll on the bottom line and wellbeing.

“Critically, Beyond Blue’s successful New Access for �Թ�� Owners program will continue to offer free one-on-one telehealth sessions with specially trained mental health coaches providing evidence-based advice on strategies for managing stress.

“The additional funding will allow Beyond Blue to provide an extra six coaches to meet the needs of our small business community.

“The success of the New Access for �Թ�� Owners program is built on it being delivered by coaches who have experience in small business. Being able to speak to someone who understands the mental load of running a small business makes a big difference.

“Small business owners who look after their mental health, can also help their business. With this renewed funding in place, help is available to small business owners who need it.

“Both the mental health and financial counselling support is welcome, particularly for small business owners who have loans secured against the family home. We know the stakes are incredibly high and that losing the business often means also losing the home.”

More information about the NewAccess for �Թ�� Owners program is available by calling 1300 945 301 or on the Beyond Blue website.

Small business owners can contact the �Թ�� Debt Helpline by calling 1800 413 828 or visit https://sbdh.org.au/

Ombudsman launches mental health program awareness campaign

admin — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 02:59:55 +0000

Ombudsman launches mental health program awareness campaign admin Fri, 12/10/2021 - 13:59

23 June 2021

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 �Թ�� and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson says the awareness campaign will raise awareness about Beyond Blue’s New Access for �Թ�� Owners program, which offers free one-on-one telehealth sessions with specially trained mental health coaches.

“It is vital small business owners know that help is available if they need it” Mr Billson says.

“New Access for �Թ�� Owners offers free one-on-one telehealth sessions with specially trained mental health coaches providing evidence-based advice on strategies for managing stress.

“Crucially, the New Access for �Թ�� Owners program is delivered by coaches that have experience in small business. It really helps to know that the person you’re speaking with understands what it takes to run a small business.

“We 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.

“New 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 they’ve been in business.

“It 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.

“It’s important small business owners understand if they look after their mental health, they can also help their business.

Beyond Blue’s New Access for �Թ�� Owners program is available now.

Mental Health

Ombudsman welcomes funding for critical small business mental health program

Ombudsman launches mental health program awareness campaign