Mental Wellbeing Resource Roundup
Our updated mental wellbeing resource roundup highlights the work of the ACA, including CPD offerings, guides and other resources. We also highlight the work of a number of key organisations, who work hard to support people and develop useful toolkits, online forums and other avenues of support.
Architects’ Mental Wellbeing Forum
The ACA runs an Australian version of the Architects Mental Wellbeing Forum, with an Australian version of the Architects Mental Wellbeing Toolkit available and online CPD events to assist practices. See our AMWF Update page for more detail about how to get involved.
We have run a series of informative wellbeing events that unpack the topics of the Architects Mental Wellbeing Toolkit. These sessions cover the Physical Office Environment; Office Culture & Overtime; Support Systems & Education; Contracts, Clients & Managing Deadlines; Caring for Students, Graduates & Interns; Technology; and Promoting a Healthy Workplace and Championing an Active Mindful approach. These sessions are all available as CPD On Demand, with a discounted package deal for all seven videos.
Click on the CPD On Demand covers below to access each video recording.
The ACA has developed several other resources for members, including an Employee Assistance Program, a roundup of Mental Health First Aid courses, a list of insightful, educational Podcasts, and a roundup of resources related to Wellbeing and Technology.
The ACA is delighted to share the Guides to Wellbeing in Architecture Practice, an output of the Wellbeing of Architects research project, of which we are a proud partner.
The Guide topics have particular relevance to the business of architecture, and we encourage all members to download the Guides and put them to work in their practices.
Click on the Guide covers below to download each Guide.
Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue offers a 24/7 phone support service (1300 22 4636), a web chat support service, an online community forum, and the NewAccess mental health coaching program (with six free sessions).
Beyond Blue continues to develop and update online information, strategies and expert advice around wellbeing, with a range of topics covered from the Money and mental health to Work and mental health, Sleep and mental health and Natural disasters and mental health.
Black Dog Institute
The Black Dog Institute has developed a comprehensive Workplace Wellbeing page, packed with advice on how to create a mentally healthy workplace in a simple, inexpensive way. Tips include implementing smart work design, building better work cultures and personal resilience, increasing the awareness of mental health, and supporting staff recovery from mental illness. The Institute also has a Workplace Mental Health Toolkit available for download, which helps employers and employees recognise the signs of anxiety or depression in colleagues and gives guidance on how to help.
There’s also a Digital tools and apps page that features a number of online tools and mobile apps for mental health and wellbeing, including self tests for anxiety and depression, an online clinic with a free personal assessment tool and a range of other resources for specific needs.
Lifeline is a national charity that offers 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. The telephone counselling service is available on 13 11 14.
Mindspot
Mindspot is a free service for Australian adults who are experiencing difficulties with anxiety, stress, depression and low mood, providing online assessment and treatment courses, or connections to local services that can help.
Smiling Mind
Smiling Mind offers the Smiling Mind App, which helps people learn the skills that promote mental wellbeing and create the habits to thrive. A new Business Mental Fitness app provides a versatile toolkit to counter the stress and uncertainty businesses are currently experiencing.