Mineral Resources (MinRes) is pioneering a new approach to mental health care at its mine sites across Western Australia by deploying a team of in-house mental health counsellors. This initiative, named ‘Mind Matters,’ is the first of its kind in the state and aims to provide immediate and consistent mental health support to all MinRes employees, including its 7,500 fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) workers.
The ‘Mind Matters’ team comprises seven highly qualified mental health clinicians, each assigned to a specific MinRes-operated site, with an additional roving counsellor available to support client sites. These professionals offer individual consultations and welfare checks both in person and over the phone. They also facilitate educational sessions, pre-start presentations, and group activities to promote mental well-being.
MinRes will continue to provide confidential crisis management, mental health support, and counselling through its existing external employee assistance program. However, the new in-house model aims to offer more immediate and accessible support.
Chris Harris, MinRes’ head of mental health and a psychologist, emphasized the importance of early intervention and ongoing support. “MinRes is committed to supporting our FIFO workforce, helping to tackle the unique challenges they face and reducing the stigma often associated with mental health,” Harris said. “We consider mental health as important as physical health and have embedded programs that encourage a culture where it is spoken about openly.”
Harris noted that the ‘Mind Matters’ team will provide evidence-based strategies to support prevention, early intervention, and recovery. “The goal is to empower people to champion their own mental health and physical wellbeing, value the importance of self-care, and build capacity and resilience,” he said.
Jon Haines, MinRes’ general manager of health and wellbeing, highlighted the significance of the new model. “This new model and influx of expertise is a truly exciting opportunity and will complement the great work already being undertaken at MinRes,” Haines said. “The expanded mental health team will provide a personal and consistent point of support at each of our sites, working closely with our internal psychological support team to deliver mental health education programs.”
By embedding mental health professionals within their operations, MinRes aims to foster an environment where mental health is openly discussed and prioritized, ensuring that employees receive the support they need promptly and effectively.
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