Organisations that can make a difference to the mental health of Victorian workers are encouraged to apply for grants as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s new WorkSafe, WorkWell initiative.

The $17 million WorkSafe, WorkWell improvement fund will provide grants to community, employee and industry organisations that come up with new ways to tackle mental health and wellbeing issues among vulnerable groups of workers.

The vulnerable groups are younger and older employees, those working in industries in transition and those who serve the community in ‘frontline’ occupations, such as healthcare, teaching and emergency services.

The funding will be available to groups with the ability to roll out programs across large numbers of workers, and who can offer solutions that address the organisational causes of mental health issues in each group.

WorkSafe, WorkWell aims to protect and promote the mental health and wellbeing of Victorian workers.

In addition to the improvement grants, an online hub will link employers with relevant research, tools and information to support them in building a mentally healthy workplace. More than 660 businesses across the state have already registered their interest in the program.

Improvement fund grants will be offered in three rounds, and WorkSafe, WorkWell will start accepting expressions of interest for round one in January 2018.

For more information, please visit workwell.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Finance Robin Scott

“Bosses have the power to make work great for their employees – that includes looking after their mental health.”

“I urge organisations to dream big, and apply for a grant to make these ideas happen.”

“Victorians deserve workplaces that put time and effort into keeping them well.”