Small-business owners are eligible to receive a free tailored mental health support service with the launch of a national awareness campaign to promote the program. Beyond Blue’s New Access for Small Business Owners program offers free one-on-one telehealth sessions with specially trained mental health coaches.
The launch coincides with new research released by Xero which reveals that 68 per cent of small-business owners surveyed reported that the past 12 months have been more emotionally draining than any other year for them since they’ve been in business. The research also noted that small-business leaders have collectively lost more than eight million hours of sleep each week due to the demands of running their small business.
“It is vital small-business owners know that help is available if they need it,” Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, said about the launch. “New Access for Small Business Owners offers free one-on-one telehealth sessions with specially trained mental health coaches providing evidence-based advice on strategies for managing stress.”
“Crucially, the New Access for Small Business Owners program is delivered by coaches that have experience in small business,” Billson added. “It really helps to know that the person you’re speaking with understands what it takes to run a small business.
“It’s important small business owners understand if they look after their mental health, they can also help their business. Our My Business Health web portal is an excellent support tool for small-business owners and it links with the New Access for Small Business Owners program, while also providing easy-to-read, practical tips on the day-to-day tasks of running a small business,” Billson concluded.