AUSTRALIA | Hospitality and tourism staff across New South Wales will benefit from a new mental health package presented by the state government.
The NSW Government’s once-off contribution of AUD $250,000 will help the Raising the Bar Foundation design and deliver The Barstool Project, a custom mental health training package for employees in the hospitality and tourism industry in NSW.
The Barstool Project is an education initiative aimed at reaching 10,000 employees across the state, improving education and awareness of mental health and wellbeing issues in the industry.
“I’m really impressed by the proactive work Lachlan, Daniel and the Raising the Bar Foundation team are doing to increase mental health support and driving a cultural shift in the hospitality industry,” said Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast region Ryan Park.
“We know that over two in five (44 percent) Australians over 16 are estimated to have experienced a mental illness at some point in their life.”
Park said it highlighted the need for a concerted effort from the NSW Government and industry leaders like the Raising the Bar Foundation to ensure that people are equipped to stay mentally healthy and that they feel comfortable reaching out for help if they are struggling.
Wollongong member Paul Scully said that whether a workplace is in an office, out on a farm, or in a pub, a healthy mind is important for all.
“I have been working with Lachlan, Daniel and the Raising the Bar foundation team on this innovative approach to improving mental health awareness for some time,” said Scully.
“Providing people in the hospitality and tourism sectors with the skills they need to identify mental health and wellbeing issues will not only benefit their colleagues but also help their customers as well.”
Raising the Bar Foundation Chairperson said he was grateful to the New South Wales Government for supporting the organisation’s goals to increase mental health support across the hospitality and tourism industry.
“Our mission is to create safer, healthier environments within hospitality venues for employees, employers and patrons, with an aim to shift the culture of these establishments back to human connection and community.”
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