The Australian Government is working with Seafood Industry Australia to support the mental health and wellbeing of people employed by commercial fisheries and seafood hauler industries, as well as their families, friends and local communities.
Delivering on an election commitment, the Stay Afloat Program is receiving $1.5 million over two years to help Australia’s fishing community build resilience and manage mental health challenges.
The seafood industry can be especially challenging for workers, who are often isolated from family and support networks for weeks at a time.
Following a successful pilot program in Newcastle (NSW), Lakes Entrance (Victoria) and Darwin (NT), the Stay Afloat Program is being rolled out to 50 seafood communities around the country to help break the stigma associated with poor mental health and build community resilience.
The Stay Afloat Program will recruit industry volunteers, to be trusted advocates to be trained in mental health first aid to provide frontline mental health and wellbeing support. These advocates will identify the signs and symptoms of poor mental health so people can get the help they need quickly and compassionately.
The program will also deliver mental health and wellbeing education to support local community coordinators, GPs and other health professionals to support.
Community Resilience Grants will fund local networks and events to raise awareness, build resilience through community connectedness, and address issues of mental health stigma and social isolation.