AWMF Recap 2021
Promoting mental wellbeing in the profession has never been more important. The following recap highlights the wonderful work being done in the Architects Mental Wellbeing Forums around the country.
2021 is quickly coming to a close. It’s been another busy year!
We would like to thank everyone for their contributions, hard work and dedication to the AMWF. There has never been a more important time to focus on and promote mental wellbeing in the profession.
So, what have we done? Here is a snapshot nationally and at branch level:
- We created the Architects Mental Wellbeing Forum page on the ACA website.
- We launched the Australian version of the Architects Mental Wellbeing Toolkit.
- The ACA proudly supported the research project Architectural Work Cultures: professional identity, education, and wellbeing, led by Naomi Stead and Maryam Gusheh of Monash University.
- We began publishing articles on the AMWF page including The Power of Vulnerability, EAPs and Resources for Wellbeing.
- We published Wellbeing Q&As with four practices sharing their stories of mental wellbeing in their practice: Kirby Architects, BVN, Fulton Trotter and Conrad Gargett to mark World Mental Health Day.
- We shared experiences with the AMWF UK, where Angelina Pillai is a guest at their Forums.
Events across the country:
- QLD/NT – EAP online panel discussion
- QLD/NT – Champions of Change Coalition update
- QLD/NT – Managing Client Expectations presentation
- NSW/ACT – Mary Freer’s Compassion Revolution
- NSW/ACT – Sam Lam and the importance of preventative measures
- NSW/ACT – Paul Valent and Mental Health in the times of the pandemic
- SA – We Should Talk initiative, with two face to face events.
- St John Mental Health First Aid training in WA and SA
The ACA is currently preparing a response to the national Culture in the Construction industry discussion paper on the development of a Culture Standard for the Construction Industry. The ACA is very supportive of discussions with the Institute of Architects and the MBA regarding the often toxic culture of the building industry. We believe there is an opportunity to change culture, mental wellbeing, work/life balance and procurement expectations, and it has been wonderful to be part of open and frank discussions about how the whole industry could do better.
The Architects Mental Wellbeing Forum Australia is grateful for the support of our partner NATSPEC.