FIFO mental health in focus with new funding

A new mental health research project has been funded to provide further support to the fly-in fly-out (FIFO) sector.

The WA Government has provided a grant of $498,841 to the University of Western Australia’s Centre for Transformative Work Design, which will enable the institution to research the wellbeing and mental health impact of FIFO arrangements on workers.

The research program will seek to understand the range of workplace factors that contribute to mental health issues in FIFO workers and identify positive strategies that can be used by individuals, families and organisations.

"In Western Australia, we have a large population of FIFO workers. The benefits and challenges of a FIFO lifestyle can be different to other workforces and parts of the community," said Mental Health Minister Roger Cook.

"It's important we determine the nature of wellbeing in this sector and the specific factors and strategies that governments, employers and employees can implement to address mental health and wellbeing of FIFO workers."

A research reference group including the Mental Health Commission; family representatives; employee and employer representatives; and mental health, and alcohol and other drug peak bodies will guide the project.

The research is in response to recommendations from the Education and Health Standing Committee on FIFO mental health and concerns raised by families.

FIFO workers and their families will play an important part in this study and people are invited to express their interest and find out more by visiting the study website.

Last month, the government announced another new partnership with The University of Western Australia which saw $500,000 invested into UWA's Centre for Transformative Work Design for the development of a comprehensive set of mental health support resources for WA workplaces.

These two projects combined bring the total government investment in projects undertaken by UWA's Centre for Transformative Work Design into workplace-related mental health and wellbeing to almost $1 million.

The research program was announced as part of the 50th annual Mental Health Week to encourage more people to turn their attention to mental health awareness and contribute to this Western Australian study.

If you need support, call beyondblue for free counselling on 1300 224 636, or call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in a crisis situation.