Mental illness is often hidden from employers due to stigma around mental illness. People with a mental illness are often excluded from the workforce or contribute to high absenteeism and frequent role changes The cost to employers and employees, of the problems associated with poor mental health is considerable. There is a distinct lack of training and support programs for employers to develop the skills sets required to identify and appropriately support and manage these workplace issues.
Bob Biggin of South West TAFE , Warrnambool and Carmel Morgan of Norwood Association will discuss these issues at the Towards 2020 Collaboration Conference at Warrnambool on the 25th March 2010. The session will also draw on the audience for input to the “Promoting wellbeing and good mental health in the workplace project project” as it aims to inform the Vocational Education and Training ( VET ) sector on specific industry requirements to facilitate the development of appropriate training and support to address industry needs.
