Mental wellbeing in focus
Sascha Byrne plays a vital role at the ACA, wearing many hats. One of the most important is her role as Wellbeing Program Manager. In this interview, she shares insights into her work with the ACA EAP program and the AMWF initiative, highlighting the fulfilment she finds in supporting practices and their staff.
Can you describe your wellbeing program manager role and what a typical day looks like for you?
In my Wellbeing Program Manager role, every day varies. I manage the ACA Employee Assistance Program and work with our members to make sure they and their staff get the most out of it. I could be updating their staff details in the online platform, showing staff how it works or loading wellbeing content into the news feed. Wellbeing at the ACA also includes the Architects Mental Wellbeing Forum (AMWF). Currently I am working on our next project, We Should Talk, which is based on the Wellbeing Guides.
What are the highlights and challenges of this role?
A major highlight for me is having the opportunity to work with and talk to members about wellbeing. I love looking after people, and wellbeing is such an important topic for our busy lifestyles today. The challenge for me is to make sure I manage my own wellbeing at the same time.
Can you tell us a little about the ACA EAP service? What types of support does the EAP offer, and how do members typically engage with it?
The TELUS Health EAP has some amazing resources. Counselling services are available with experienced Master’s level professionals. This can be face to face, over the phone or even online. And you have access to six sessions per issue per year. Issues can range from personal, financial, relationship or work.
The TELUS Health One platform is with you wherever you go. Accessible through an app or the internet, it provides support whenever it’s needed. EAP members have access to articles, podcasts, courses, toolkits and even a fitness app.
The toolkits allow you to find a topic and read through at your own pace. And it includes a dedicated Managers Toolkit. Topics range from keeping kids safe online, mental health, change and resilience, and financial wellbeing.
I love the fitness app. You can tailor to your own ability and level. And it includes mindfulness sessions. I love being able to sit at my desk and take five minutes to go through a session of breathing and light stretching. It resets my mind, calms me down and gets me ready for the next task.
What kind of events have you organised to support members’ wellbeing through the Architects Mental Wellbeing Forum? What do you have planned for the future?
Over an 18 month period, we ran the AMWF Toolkit Series, a program of online webinars based on the AMWF Toolkit topics. You can still access them now via our On Demand Webinar page on the website. These webinars were insightful and honest, and we are grateful to the many presenters who generously gave their time and experience.
Moving forward, we are launching a new series of events, this time face to face. We Should Talk will use the Wellbeing Guide topics as conversation starters, allowing our ACA branches to connect with members of the profession face to face. Events will start soon, so keep an eye out for your local invite.
Why is this work important to you?
Wellbeing is such a prominent topic in our lives now. I have two kids, teenagers, and I spend a lot of time making sure their mental wellbeing is front of mind for me and them. We live in a different time to when I grew up, and yes, that makes me feel old just saying it! Technology is in our lives every day. We are inevitably impacted by online influences, isolation and society’s expectations. So, having a job where I spend a fair amount of time focusing on wellbeing is a blessing.
I have seen friends and family struggle with their mental health over the years. I have tried to help where I can and, honestly, it is just in my nature to want to take care of the people I love in my life. I am a qualified Mental Health First Aider, and feel that the work that I do – working closely with architecture practices and people – is one of the most important things I can do with my time.