The $1 million in support will be part of the Tasmanian government’s $20 million COVID-19 Small Business Sustainability and Recovery Assistance Package.
The mental health support package has been developed in three parts:
- Part 1 – Mental health training and support through the Minding Your Business Program delivered by a Tasmanian Lifeline
- Part 2 – Support for industry peak body programs
- Part 3 – Mental Health Council of Tasmania activities to raise awareness of the supports and resources available for small-business owners/employers
Tasmanian Minister for Small Business, Hospitality and Events Sarah Courtney said the need for mental health training and support was strongly acknowledged by participants in the small-business forums that were held around the state earlier this year.
“The government is committed to supporting small business, and never before has that been more important as we rally together to adjust to a new COVID-safe way of operating as we work towards recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Ms Courtney said.
“We will continue to support small business to remain resilient and ensure jobs and livelihoods are protected.”
Lifeline chief executive Debbie Evans said up to 1,000 mental health training and support placements will be offered to owners and employees of Tasmanian small businesses of various industries and locations who identify a need for mental health training or assistance.
“This mental health training and support is urgently needed. At times, we’ve seen an increase in demand of our services as high as 75 per cent compared to the same time last year,” Ms Evans said.
“We applaud the Tasmanian government for continuing to make the mental health of Tasmanians a priority.”
