Corporate health provider Arriba Group are launching its free mental health webinars with a variety of health employees and leaders as part of Mental Health Month during October.

Designed to facilitate meaningful discussions, the webinars aim to empower individuals to take charge of their mental health and promote a culture of care within workplaces and communities.

The webinar series will cover diverse topics such as recent changes in workplace health and safety regulations, shedding light on evolving psychosocial hazards in the workplace. 

The significance of self-care for those working in care roles will also be covered, offering practical strategies for these workers to prioritise their well-being.

Arriba Group Psychological Services Manager and webinar speaker Deborah Shand recognised caring roles can be especially psychosocially hazardous given the physical and emotional component as well as the level of responsibility put on these employees without enough support or recognition.

These elements of the job have helped spark the changes to Safe Work Australia protocols to protect these workers and now, employers are required to identify psychosocial hazards and eliminate or minimise risks.

“It may be impossible to eliminate all risks, but there can be changes to reduce the frequency and impact of psychosocial threats, such as access to support following upsetting or traumatic events, providing mentoring, or having regular debriefing sessions.”

Juliet Middleton, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of LiveBig – a health company part of the Arriba Group – said it’s common for carers and care workers to push their own needs to the side and put others first but the culture within care professions can sometimes undervalue self-care or frame it as a luxury, rather than a necessity for sustained mental health and overall well-being. 

Ms Middleton wants to see providers emphasise the importance of self-care and reframe it as a fundamental aspect of a care worker’s responsibility to improve their mental health and foster more sustainable care for those they look after. 

“It’s like a domino effect. A burnt-out caregiver might not have the same level of patience, energy, or attention to detail, which means the quality of care could decline. Emotional exhaustion can also lead to unintentional detachment, making those being cared for feel less valued or understood.”

The webinar schedule is:

Navigating Workplace Psychosocial Hazards: Setting sail on smooth waters

• Date and Time: Tuesday, October 10, 12pm – 1pm AEDT
• Description: Recent revisions to workplace health and safety laws have set a new course for employers. Join us on a journey through these changes introduced by Safe Work Australia to ensure safe passage for all
• Speaker: Deborah Shand, Psychological Services Manager, Rehab Management

AI in Mental Health: The benefits and pitfalls

• Date and Time: Tuesday, October 17, 12pm – 1pm AEDT
• Description: Delve into the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its applications within the mental health landscape. Gain insights into common AI tools reshaping the mental health experience and industry. We will also discuss potential pitfalls and risks associated with AI in mental health
• Speaker: Head of Innovation at Arriba Group, Michelle Barratt

Put your own oxygen mask on first: Prioritising self-care

• Date and Time: Tuesday, October 24, 12pm – 1pm AEDT
•  Description: In the fast-paced realm of allied health workers and support workers, the focus on others often overshadows the well-being of the caregivers themselves. This webinar highlights how prioritising one’s well-being is essential for sustaining quality care and provides actionable strategies to prevent burnout and enhance resilience
• Speaker: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of LiveBig, Juliet Middleton

Attendance is free, but registration is required to secure your spot. For more information and to register for these free webinars, please visit the Arriba Group website here.