Grant for business mental health podcasts

THE mental health of local business operators and employees will be the focus of a Be.Bendigo project after the Chamber of Commerce received a State Government grant.

Be.Bendigo CEO Rob Herbert said $15,000 will be used to create a series of podcasts.

The audio productions will be aimed at helping smaller business operators combat mental health challenges with “optimistic, relatable content” that will also discuss the real-life experiences of local operators.

Mr Herbert said the podcasts would also help boost the profile of the town.

“This grant enables us to undertake a project that will help to make Bendigo an even better place to live and work,” he said. “We know we are competing with other regional cities for talent and skills.

“It makes sense to provide people with the techniques and connections they need to succeed and thrive in both their businesses and their personal lives.”

The podcasts are also expected to be easily accessible to the broader community with the content also expected to be useful for casual workers, volunteers and students and managers.

Mr Herbert said the plan for the podcasts came from Be.Bendigo member feedback.

“From our engagement with local businesses, we understand that there are still many pressures that are having an impact on mental health and wellbeing,” he said.

“This is particularly acute for very small businesses, where it is often a sole proprietor feeling that they need to be expert in every aspect of their business.

“Increasingly since the COVID pandemic, many more of these businesses are being run from home, with the added challenges that come from social isolation.”