20 employees from various organisations undergo training to become mental health champions at their workplace

20 participants from various workplaces are taking part in a training that will enable them to become mental health champions at their workplaces.

These champions are being trained to detect mental health issues in their organisations and conduct basic stress assessment of those who are vulnerable and provide referral guidance and advice on self-care.

The workshop is organised by Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation.

Federation CEO Kameli Batiweti says if a person is mentally sound then he will be physically fit for work and those that are not mentally sound need assistance.

Batiweti says sometimes the employees may be stressed because of their work and other times it could be stress that they bring to work from their homes or communities.

He says this is why it important for managers to listen carefully and identify the root cause of mental distress.

The CEO adds that because of COVID-19 a lot of jobs have been affected as people have either been let go or are on reduced hours.

He says in such a situation it is important for the organisation to communicate effectively with their employees and find a solution.

The workshop is being conducted by psychotherapist and trainer Simione Tuni who says the training is very timely because there might be a lot of people who need help because of the ongoing effects of COVID-19 and probably afraid to seek help because of the stigma surrounding mental health discussions or education.

If you need to talk to someone or need help, please call Lifeline Fiji's toll-free number 1543.