Proactive focus to lead mental health and wellbeing recovery efforts

The Australasian Sustainable Wellness Academy has welcomed the release of the National Mental Health and Wellbeing Pandemic Response Plan today.

This comprehensive plan for the mental health and wellbeing of Australians in both the response and recovery phases of the pandemic with a proactive focus will result in people taking proactive steps early to look after themselves and to support others in the months and years ahead.

Australasian Sustainable Wellness Academy CEO Angela Derks said “We need more than mental health first aid to safeguard the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians as we transition from COVID-19 pandemic response to recovery. We need the collective and focused efforts of all Governments, business leaders, medical and allied health professionals, community organisations and each and every one of us as part of an integrated response to recover and to thrive.

“When individuals collectively thrive, communities and businesses are more likely to thrive. Integrative wellbeing and healthy leadership practices enable people to proactively support their own and each other’s mental health and wellbeing, which reduces demand on acute care and crisis services.”

“The Australasian Sustainable Wellness Academy (ASWA) was established in 2016 as a practical solution to strengthen capabilities in workplaces and the community. Research and best practice articles on effective wellness programs over the past 25 years reveal that the programs that tend to be the most effective have a leader. A person who not only co-ordinates and executes wellness, but also has their own healthy leadership competencies and confidence. From our 25 years of experience providing award-winning wellness solutions for businesses in various industries in Australia and globally, we recognise that securing buy-in at all levels of the organisation – from senior management to front line employees is critical for cultivating a wellness culture that is essential for effective recovery.”

“The National Mental Health and Wellbeing Pandemic Response Plan details a range of important foundational principles and priorities that will guide State and Territory mental health responses in coming months. This includes the provision of evidence-based best practices, adopting workplace and community-based approaches and collaborative partnerships. These have been guiding principles for the nationally recognised, 10299NAT Diploma of Wellness Leadership Program in Australia and overseas for many years.”

“The 10299NAT Diploma of Wellness is the first course of its kind, offering comprehensive, practical, and accredited training in wellbeing and leadership skills including resilience, mindfulness, emotional intelligence, sustainable work practices and strategic project management in a business and community context.”

Australasian Sustainable Wellness Academy and our national and international diverse community of graduate Wellness Leaders are ready and willing to work with local communities and workplaces to help build capacity that will see us develop a collective safety net for all community members together.”