Beyond Blue has launched an online training course to help small business advisers provide mental health support to business owners impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
The free Mental wellbeing: support yourself and small businesses course has been launched at a time when two thirds of Australia’s small business owners report the pandemic has negatively affected their mental health.
The course is available nationwide thanks to the support and expertise of Beyond Blue’s Supporting Partners Xero and Go1.
Evidence shows many small business owners seek advice and support from trusted advisers including accountants, bookkeepers, tax agents, industry associations and representative bodies who are often the first to notice when a client might be experiencing mental health issues.
However, advisers also say they want to know more about the signs to look out for, how to start a conversation with a client they are worried about, and how to connect small business owners to appropriate support.
The course, which can be accessed by all business advisers in Australia on Beyond Blue’s Heads Up web site, covers four key topic areas:
● An introduction to mental health and how to recognise when someone needs support
● How advisers can look after their own wellbeing in the workplace and at home
● How to have a conversation with a small business owner you are worried about
● How advisers can proactively support small business owners

For more information and to register: Mental Wellbeing: support yourself and small business (you will have to sign up to view. Sign up is free but through Go1, the partner who is hosting the course for Beyond Blue).

Beyond Blue Support:
The Beyond Blue Support Service is available via phone 24/7 on 1300 22 4636 or via beyondblue.org.au/get-support for online chat (3PM – 12AM AEST or email responses within 24 hours).
The new Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Service is available 24/7 at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au. Its dedicated phone line, staffed by mental health professionals briefed on the pandemic response, is now open on 1800 512 348.