Scenic Rim Regional Council has rolled out a range of initiatives to boost physical and mental health across its workforce.
In line with commitment to staff wellbeing through programs that make a difference, Council has embraced The Resilience Project, encouraging employees to be the best they can be both at work and at home.
The Resilience Project explores evidence-based approaches to building resilience to develop and sustain positive mental health through the strategies of Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness (GEM) which can be practised as part of daily life.
Marking R U OK? Day on Thursday 11 September, Council hosted the Resilience Project’s Authentic Connection presentation, delivered live by Martin Heppell.
This livewire public speaker – who has notched up more than 1,700 appearances across Australia at schools, community groups, corporations and elite sporting organisations including the A-League AFL and NRL – focused on the benefits of individuals’ connection with themselves, others and nature, touching on emotional literacy and connected parenting.
With the aim of making R U OK? an everyday touchpoint, Council has also rolled out Mental Health awareness training for all staff, implemented Mental Health First Aid Officers and has a network of Mates in Construction Connectors as dedicated contacts for staff needing support through tough times. This is in addition to Council’s employee assistance program provider that offers eight streams of support to employees and their immediate family.
Council’s Wellbeing Calendar includes skin cancer checks for staff, cooking classes encouraging a healthier lifestyle, and the 10,000 steps challenge aimed at increasing physical activity. This Wellbeing Calendar focuses on implementing the Five Ways To Wellbeing to improve mental health.
As part of the Wellbeing Program, employees can claim up to $200 reimbursement for sporting membership fees, encouraging staff to get active.
