The serious impact of mental health issues in the workplace will be addressed in a new strategy. At any given time, one in six working-age people suffer from a mental illness, the equivalent of more than 800,000 people in NSW.
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We spend up to one third of our lives at work, so the workplace is a huge opportunity to help support individuals’ mental health. Mental health-related absenteeism is estimated to cost the NSW economy $1.5 billion annually. Without proper workplace support mental health illness can cause greater absenteeism, increased compensation claims, and higher worker turnover.
Government bodies and organisations, including the Mental Health Commission of NSW, WayAhead and NSW Health, are already spearheading some great mental health initiatives. The state government wants to tap into their knowledge and find solutions to the challenge of mental health in the workplace, and better support NSW businesses to effectively manage it.
For information on the Work Health and Safety Roadmap for NSW 2022, or resources on mental health in the workplace visit the SafeWork NSW website or call 13 10 50.
Youth encouraged to apply for NSW Youth Advisory Council
Applications are now open for the 2018 NSW Youth Advisory Council (YAC). YAC has a statutory role to advise on issues important to young people, and monitor and evaluate youth-related policies and legislation.
Council members are sought from diverse locations, backgrounds and life experiences. NSW YAC provides an important avenue for children and young people in the local area to have a say on government policies and programs.
I encourage our young people to apply. Council membership is open to all NSW residents between the ages of 12 and 24. For information and application forms visit www.acyp.nsw.gov.au or call 9248 0970. Applications close at 11.59pm on September 30.