A free online mental health webinar is being offered to sole traders through the efforts of the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Kate Carnell.
The webinar will be hosted by Beyond Blue ambassador and sole trader Garry Mills, who will share his own experiences with depression and anxiety, as well as some of the strategies he used to overcome them.
The webinar is being made available in light of recent predictions of a possible dramatic rise in Australian suicide rates due to the economic and social impacts brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Garry is an exceptional person who comes from an incredible background as a former security guard for an ex-Prime Minister, running complex security operations in Australia and overseas as well as competing in triathlons and training elite athletes,” Carnell said. “His unique story is proof that depression doesn’t discriminate.”
In the webinar Mills offers a number of practical tips for boosting mental health, many of which are tailored to sole traders.
“I understand that small-business owners don’t have a lot of time to devote to their mental health, but if you can find 10 minutes in your day to watch this video, it will be time well spent,” Carnell said. “The webinar also directs viewers to our My Business Health web portal, which offers dedicated holistic support to employers and sole traders.”
In addition to the webinar, the COVID-19 section of My Business Health walks small-business owners and sole traders through the practical steps to keep their business afloat and also provides links with resources from Beyond Blue which is the ASBFEO’s partner in providing mental health assistance.
“There’s no doubt this is a very difficult and uncertain time, but there is support for small businesses and sole traders and I would encourage them to access the free resources and services on offer,” Carnell said.
