A training solution to stark statistics

Almost half of Australians aged 16-85 have experienced a mental health disorder at some point in their lives, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics*. 

This means a large proportion of your workforce has, or will, experience mental health challenges in their life. 

It is a statistic that is sobering, hard to ignore, and should be taken into consideration when building standard workplace training to ensure we are creating safe and respectful workplaces for all.

“Having mental health first aid available and imbedded into workplace culture, people feel safer, more valued, and more engaged. A workplace that prioritises this doesn’t just strengthen well-being, it fosters trust, inclusivity and encourages open conversations. In turn, this creates a more connected team and a workplace where people can thrive,’’ genU training General Manager Nikki Noack said.

These are all results evidenced by recent genU Training Workplace Mental Health First Aid graduates at STATUS - read their case study below. 

genU training General Manager Nikki Noack.

genU Training sits under the genU banner nationally, which has merged with Activ Foundation in WA. They educate thousands of Australians each year and are a social enterprise, certified by Social Traders, opening opportunities to deliver corporate training alongside social procurement goals. 

genU Training’s suite of options includes nationally accredited qualifications, short courses and microcredentials. 

genU Training’s Workplace Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) short course aims to create higher levels of empathy in workplaces and gives staff the skills, confidence, and practical tools to help colleagues who may be struggling with mental health issues.

“We don’t think twice about ensuring we have trained first aiders in our workplace, yet mental health support is just as vital, and we need to give the same level of importance to mental health first aid,” Mrs Noack said. 

“We want to help workplaces create environments where staff have the knowledge and tools they need to support one another when they see one of their co-workers struggling or to be able to ask for help themselves.”

And operating as a social enterprise, the genU Training motto ‘Education for Good’ has a flow-on effect through its social impact. 

“We invest our surplus back into our communities, by choosing genU training to train your staff not only benefits you but also has a positive impact for people in your community,” Mrs Noack said.

As we round out the 2024-25 financial year, genU Training is offering Business News readers a discounted package of mental health and inclusion training so you can start the new financial year with a more equipped and supportive workforce.

Business News readers can visit genU Training for Business News readers to gain access to a discounted bundle, additional access to inclusion training and more with genU Training. 

STATUS Case Study 

The importance of MHFA training is echoed by Bethany Baxter, WA State Manager of Disability Employment at STATUS, an independent specialist provider of recruitment, training and employment services. 

The STATUS team undertook genU Training’s MHFA course and have since signed on for more microcredentials to boost their inclusivity across the board. 

“MHFA training is vital for businesses because it helps create a safer and more supportive workplace,” Ms Baxter said. 

“Mental health issues are increasingly common, and by training staff to recognise and respond to them, businesses can ensure that employees feel safe, supported, and understood. It’s also key to reducing stigma around mental health and encouraging open conversations.”

As one of Australia’s leading experts in workplace upskilling, genU Training understands what creates compelling and relevant workplace training. This expertise underpins the Workplace MHFA short course, which also applies the latest research and best practices in mental health support. 

“I really enjoyed the practical, ‘real world’ approach of the training,” Ms Baxter said. “The format of the training worked exceptionally well because it was broken down into digestible sections, with lots of opportunity for practical exercises.

“It wasn’t just theory – it was packed with useful tools and strategies that my team and I can apply in my daily interactions with colleagues and clients. 

“The scenarios were especially helpful in making the content relatable and easy to understand.”

Delivered by accredited mental health first aid trainers, the course can be completed fully online or as a blended course (in-person and virtual). Ms Baxter and her colleagues undertook the training in person, which facilitated engagement and the opportunity to ask questions. 

“The trainer was really approachable and interactive, and it created an environment where we all felt comfortable participating,” she said. 

“It was also nice to have face-to-face discussions with others in the training, as we could share experiences and learn from each other.”

While the STATUS team had a basic understanding of mental health awareness, the course provided them with much more.

“Both myself and our team now feel much more confident in having conversations about mental health and providing initial support to someone who may be struggling,” Bethany said.  

“This training really expanded my knowledge and gave me a deeper understanding of mental health issues and how to respond effectively.

“We learned how to identify warning signs, offer support, and guide someone towards appropriate professional help if needed.

“We have been able to incorporate more open communication and active listening. 

“It’s important because it helps create a supportive environment where the participants feel comfortable sharing their challenges, knowing they will be listened to without judgment. 

“We feel much more comfortable approaching difficult conversations about mental health.”

Ms Baxter highly recommended the genU Training MHFA and encouraged other businesses to make the investment and reap the multiple benefits. 

“The training is not only insightful but also practical and empowering,” she said. 

“It gives you the tools to be a supportive ear and helps create a more inclusive workplace.”

*ABS - National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing - 2020-2022 - 42.9% of people aged 16–85 years had experienced a mental disorder at some time in their life.