By Callum Ludwig
Running a small business can be gruelling and stressful, and it’s very easy for things to go wrong and leave you feeling hopeless and helpless.
EACH is helping local Yarra Ranges businesses by continuing to encourage them to access the Partners in Wellbeing (PIW) initiative, which aims to provide assistance and wellbeing support for small businesses.
Manager of Partners in Wellbeing Amanda Thomas said PIW is a free and confidential service for small business owners and their employees.
“Local businesses can call the Partners in Wellbeing helpline to access online support from a wellbeing coach, small business financial counsellor, business adviser or be connected to a dedicated mental health consultant and clinician,” she said.
“When a small business owner is supported to better manage the day-to-day stressors and challenges in their personal and business life, they can lead with confidence and move forward with a positive mindset.”
The initiative was established in 2021 as businesses continued to suffer from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, bringing mental health consultants into industry and employer associations like EACH.
Ms Thomas said small business owners carry the responsibility of running a business, so if they look after their wellbeing, they have a better capacity to make good decisions and successfully run their business.
“A small business owner will learn practical strategies from trained professionals so that they can better manage their business. This also extends to staff, when they feel supported and they look after themselves, it is more likely that they will perform better and produce better outcomes for the business,” she said.
The services provided through PIW include wellbeing coaches and mental health clinicians for managing stress and anxiety regarding day-to-day business and personal responsibilities, small business financial counsellors to provide information, advice and support for debt management and financial issues and support and business advisers to identify the business’ position and create action plans.
Anyone interested can call Partners in Wellbeing helpline on 1300 375 330, 7 days per week.
Visit www.partnersinwellbeing.org.au for live chat or to send an enquiry, or make a referral online.
If support is required in another language, small business owners can call TIS National on 131 450 and ask for an interpreter, then ask to be connected to Partners in Wellbeing on 1300 375 330.
