Input sought on Return to Work Victoria mental health pilots

The proposed Worker Psychological Support Service Helpline would give people in small and medium sized businesses access to coaching or counselling to address issues that could contribute to workplace stress or burnout.

The second pilot, the Mentally Healthy Workplace Readiness Initiative, would help small and medium sized businesses identify, assess and control mental health risks at work.

The two pilots are foundational initiatives for Return to Work Victoria, which was established to explore new ways to support workers and employers and help injured workers return to work.

Separate formal Requests for Information ask organisations with relevant experience to outline their existing and planned capability and capacity. Responses will help Return to Work Victoria understand services already available or emerging in Victoria, and whether they could be expanded to complement current offerings.

Return to Work Victoria Executive Director Jason Lardelli said industry input was critical to designing programs that could support workers and businesses where and when they most needed help.

"Improving mental health outcomes for Victorian workers and businesses requires innovation and fresh ideas," Mr Lardelli said.

"We know there are many good services out there already and we're looking forward to finding out how they may be able to help us."

Responses to both Requests for Information can be submitted through the Buying For Victoria website until 2pm on Monday 20 May.

How Blue Safe can help: Our free WHS self-check can help you review your approach to workplace health and safety, including psychosocial hazards, and identify areas that may need attention. Take the free WHS self-check