https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021MMHA0015-000644
Employers and employees throughout B.C. who work in the tourism, hospitality and community social services sectors now have access to vital mental health resources with the creation of a digital resource hub.
The online hub offers a range of tools to help address common workplace concerns, such as bullying, harassment, COVID-19 exposure, coping with stress and more.
“The pandemic has had a devastating impact on people working in tourism, hospitality and social services,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “I’m grateful to workplace leaders stepping up to promote positive mental health for their employees. This will have a lasting impact on people in the months and years ahead.”
The new hub provides workshops, webinars and information to help employees manage stress and build resiliency. It also provides tangible steps for workers at all levels to improve their overall mental health, as well as navigation support to connect to other mental health services, including counselling and peer support. To access the hub, visit: www.workmentalhealthbc.ca
In May 2021, the hub will expand to include a made-in-B.C. training and coaching platform that will provide managers and leaders in these sectors with personalized guidance to help make meaningful and lasting change at work. Participants will gain knowledge and practical tools, apply learning and strengthen peer connections to help make continuous improvements that support the long-term well-being of their employees.
The new hub is being developed in partnership with the BC Division of the Canadian Mental Health Association and health and safety associations, such as go2HR.
The new hub will augment existing mental health supports the government deployed early on in the pandemic for workers in the long-term care and continuing-care sector, including the Care for Caregivers site and Care to Speak peer support service. Both services received major uptake from health-care workers throughout the province. The hub builds on this success and provides more workplace sectors with the mental health supports they need.
As part of B.C.’s $1.5-billion economic recovery plan, $2 million was provided for the development of the online hub and soon-to-be launched coaching and training platform for the tourism and hospitality sectors. The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction contributed an additional $1 million to expand the scope to include the community social services sector.
Improving workplace mental health is an integral part of the government’s plan to build a comprehensive system of mental health and addictions care British Columbians deserve, as outlined in A Pathway to Hope, B.C.’s roadmap for making mental health and addictions care better for people in British Columbia.
Learn More:
StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/
Free and low-cost mental health supports for British Columbians during COVID-19: http://www.gov.bc.ca/covid19mentalhealthsupports
A Pathway to Hope: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BCMentalHealthRoadmap_2019.pdf
Care for Caregivers – mental health support for health-care providers: https://www.careforcaregivers.ca/
Care to Speak – peer support for B.C. health-care workers: https://www.careforcaregivers.ca/caretospeak/
For emotional support, information and resources specific to mental health available 24-7, call 310Mental Health Support toll-free (no need to dial an area code): 310-6789
StopOverdose BC – resources and information related to B.C.’s overdose crisis: https://www.stopoverdose.gov.bc.ca/