ANZ recently hosted a luncheon which saw Hunter business leaders gather to learn more about Lifeline’s mental health and suicide prevention training to better support the well-being of staff.
Concluding the event ANZ also presented a cheque for $10,000 to Lifeline to support much needed funds for their face to face counselling service.
Around forty-five people attended the ANZ luncheon in Newcastle in support of Lifeline in the Hunter.
The keynote speaker was Mark Mentha, a Partner at KordaMentha and co-owner of several businesses, who is regarded as one of Australia’s leading restructure experts.
Mark has a great interest in mental health and in the wellbeing of employees, organisations and communities.
He shared his knowledge about the mental health impacts on local communities he’s seen in his work, solving complex corporate challenges.
Mark expressed empathy and concern for people, whom he said were not just numbers in an equation.
“Mental health is the number one health issue facing Australia,” Mark said.
Shayne Connell, National Director for LivingWorks Australia, spoke on the importance of suicide prevention training for businesses.
Shayne shared insights about the positive impact that Lifeline has on people’s lives, acquired from his experience as a Lifeline telephone crisis support person.
ANZ Regional Executive, Paul Cragg, urged businesses, other organisations and community members to undertake training with Lifeline.
Paul said ANZ local managers recently completed Mental Health First Aid training, which has equipped them with the confidence and tools to have mental health discussions in both work and personal situations.
“If your organisation does not currently have this training in place, we strongly recommend that you reach out to Lifeline to explore your options, it will change the way you relate to people who may be experiencing challenges with mental health,” Paul said.
Lifeline has provided 3,000 face to face counselling sessions in the Hunter over the past twelve months.
Lifeline’s local Executive Director, Rob Sams said funding is needed to continue the service.
Lifeline’s face to face counselling is for anyone who is not coping, whether it be a personal or relationship issue as well as people who have thoughts of suicide.
The free service helps people who can’t afford a private psychologist or to wait for a public system appointment.
“This service is an example of how Lifeline works with the community, in the community,” Rob said.
He thanked luncheon attendees for their invaluable support.
Rob said, over the past four years, ANZ has donated $110,000 to assist Lifeline to continue its life saving suicide prevention services to Hunter people.
“We’re extremely grateful to ANZ for their support and endorsement of our work and we look forward to continuing our relationship into the future,” he said.
“As a not-for-profit service delivery organisation, we rely heavily on donations from businesses and community members, such as ANZ.”
Suicide is the leading cause of death for all Australians aged between fifteen and forty-four. Eight people die by suicide every day. It is estimated there are more than 65,000 suicide attempts each year.
You can learn more about Lifeline and their services by visiting their website.
IMAGE | Shayne Connell, Mark Mentha, Paul Cragg and Rob Sams at the ANZ luncheon for Lifeline (left-right)
