COVID-19 VIC: Business – Wellbeing and Mental Health Support for Victorian Small Businesses

This program aims to ensure Victorians dealing with the challenges of running a small business can get the mental health support they need to navigate through the impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Current support under this program includes:
1. St John Ambulance Mental Health and Crisis Support Training
- The training will be delivered in a virtual classroom, with one hour pre-learning and two days of four-hour classroom sessions.
- The training will assist participants to:
a) Build capabilities to support the local business community with wellbeing or mental health challenges.
b) Certify participants in a nationally recognised qualification in mental health first response.
c) Develop an awareness of the wellbeing and mental health support available for small business operators and other members of the community.
- Registrations close on 18 December 2020.

2. Partners in Wellbeing helpline
- Provides one-to-one support to improve wellbeing to those who are worried about their business, as well as free access to business advisers and financial counsellors.
- Applicants can call Partners in Wellbeing at 1300 375 from Monday to Friday 9am–10pm, Saturday to Sunday 9am–5pm.

Mental health specialists will also be embedded in industry and business associations to provide members with immediate access to expert advisors and on-the-job training for staff to identify and respond to people in distress.

A total funding pool of $26 million is available.

More information about additional support services will be released soon. Please visit the website for the latest updates.

Eligible applicants for the St John Ambulance Mental Health and Crisis Support Training must:
- Be a staff member of a local Council.
- Be a key member who holds a position at a Chamber of Commerce, Business Association or Business Networks.
- Have a willingness to support their local business community with mental health and wellbeing challenges.