One Door Mental Health is expanding its annual fundraising event in 2024, turning what was once a luncheon into a comprehensive conference aimed at enhancing mental health awareness and support.
Traditionally focused on raising funds for the organization’s Wollongong clubhouse, the event now features a full day of activities including keynote speakers, panel discussions, and interactive workshops. This shift reflects a broader mission to equip business leaders with the skills needed to manage mental health effectively within their organizations.
Deputy Chair Jodi Bush emphasized the critical need for workplaces to prioritize mental health, citing statistics that show psychosocial claims are significantly higher than other types of workplace claims. The conference aims to provide practical tools for creating psychologically safe environments, thereby reducing costs associated with mental health issues in the workplace.
The personal motivation behind this initiative for Jodi Bush stems from her own experience with loss and its impact on her family and community following her husband’s suicide. Proceeds from the conference will support One Door’s clubhouse in the Illawarra region along with three other community mental health initiatives.
Key speakers scheduled for the event include Paul Smith, owner of Sydney Kings, who will share his personal journey with mental health and business success; John Brogden AM, former opposition leader and philanthropist; Dr. Charlotte Middleton, a GP and medical director focusing on mental health foundations; and Dan Hunt, former professional rugby player and founder of the Mental Health Movement.
Workshops will cover a range of topics from compassionate practices to building flourishing mental health strategies, catering to diverse needs within the community.
One Door Mental Health, formerly known as the Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW, has been a leader in mental health support for over 35 years, specializing in severe and persistent mental illnesses. The organization’s clubhouse provides a vital social and support network for individuals with chronic mental health conditions, irrespective of their NDIS status.
The conference, scheduled for October 18th at the Sage Hotel in Wollongong, aims not only to raise funds but also to inspire attendees and provide tangible tools for promoting mental health and wellbeing.
Early bird tickets are currently available for purchase, offering discounted rates for those interested in attending the Mental Health in the Workplace Conference.
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