EFTPOS has announced a new partnership with Beyond Blue, providing $200,000 of funding to support Australian small businesses struggling with mental health issues.
In addition to the funding, EFTPOS and Beyond Blue Support Services aim to raise awareness about the link between financial and mental health, particularly for small businesses and young people.
EFTPOS Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Stephen Benton said core values between EFTPOS and Beyond Blue’s purpose aligned immediately, as mental health support was enormously important to both organisations.
Mr Benton said that through the partnership, EFTPOS will be encouraging consumers and small business owners to take steps and seek support to improve their overall mental health and wellbeing, particularly during these difficult times of COVID lockdowns and recovery.Â
“EFTPOS’ purpose is to do ‘Good for Australia’ and we see this partnership as having a direct and positive impact,” Mr Benton said.
“By contributing to and supporting Beyond Blue’s Support Service, it is our hope we can make a difference to the lives of people in Australia, especially in these challenging times.
“With disruptions to the ways we live, learn and work, we have limited access to the usual supports and coping mechanisms that help keep us well.
“This comes at a time where many in our community, including young people and small business owners, are also experiencing financial pressures which we know are closely tied to mental health.”
Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman thanked EFTPOS for their support, explaining partnership donations go towards the Beyond Blue Support Service.
“EFTPOS’ support is vital, especially at a time when millions of people are experiencing the effects of the pandemic, including the impact on many people’s financial wellbeing,” Ms Harman said.
“Contacts to Beyond Blue’s support services are up 30 per cent on pre-pandemic levels, so we are extremely grateful to EFTPOS for supporting us so we can keep answering every call and online chat.
“Every dollar will go to the Beyond Blue Support Service, which is staffed around the clock by mental health professionals.
“They are ready to provide free, immediate and confidential counselling, advice and referrals online or over the phone.
“Along with the EFTPOS partnership funds going to the Beyond Blue Support Service, we’re also encouraging small business owners to find out more about Beyond Blue’s NewAccess for Small Business Owners, a program supported by trained mental health coaches who have a background in small business.”
Two-thirds of small business owners say the pandemic has negatively impacted their mental health, a figure that has doubled since prior to the pandemic, according to the Australian Treasury.
The main reported issues for small business owners were financial concerns and the uncertainty about the viability of their business. Those with staff were also concerned for the welfare of their employees, the report indicated.
While 72 per cent of small business owners felt their work was worthwhile, nearly one in three reported a recent diagnosis of stress, depression and/or anxiety (28 per cent).
Almost 80 per cent of small businesses owners felt more support for mental health in the sector was needed.
Even more worryingly is that small business operators support others, such as their family and staff, rather than tending to their own needs when they need support themselves.
The report indicated many small businesses owners, especially older males, struggled to recognise their mental health concerns or may have stigmatised feelings towards ill mental health, so they were less likely to report it.
Mental health crisis support is is available from LifeLine at 13 11 14, Beyond Blue at 1300 224 636 or through various online resources.
