The New Zealand Government has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Auckland Business Chamber aimed at improving access to mental health and well-being resources for business owners. This initiative comes at a critical time as many businesses navigate challenging economic conditions.
Acknowledging the Challenges
Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly highlighted the personal impact of running a business on mental health. “As a former business owner, I know first-hand the toll running a business can take on your mental health,” he stated. With Mental Health Awareness Week underway, Bayly emphasized the importance of providing support to business owners who may be struggling.
“Many Kiwis find it difficult to talk about their mental health and do not know where or how to access help when they need it,” he added.
Introducing First Steps
At the heart of this partnership is the First Steps online platform, which offers a wealth of resources aimed at supporting business owners with their mental health. The platform connects users with approved professionals for counseling and therapy, as well as providing services like nutritional advice, leadership training, business mentorship, and guidance on digital literacy.
In the past year alone, First Steps resources have been utilized over 750,000 times, indicating a strong demand for accessible mental health support among business owners.
Supporting Business Owners
“First Steps is all about supporting business owners to take the first step in a series of actions. The intention is to crack open the door and provide some basic tools and information to start that journey,” explained Minister Bayly. The platform is designed with the busy schedules of business owners in mind, offering on-demand content that is freely accessible to all New Zealanders.
Collaborative Management Under MoU
As part of the MoU, the Auckland Business Chamber will take on the responsibility of managing and updating the resources developed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. “It is great that the business community sees the value of the resources and will assume responsibility for managing First Steps’ content, taking a by-business-for-business approach,” stated Bayly.
This collaboration aims to foster a supportive environment for business owners, ensuring they have the tools and resources needed to prioritize their mental health and well-being.
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