Providing mental health support to young workers

Mental health is one of the leading reasons young workers do not finish their apprenticeships — often due to challenging working conditions, poor pay or bullying.

In a series of stories shared with R U OK?, young workers have highlighted the importance of offering support to fellow workmates who may be struggling with the transition from classroom to workplace.

Developed with support from CareSuper, ‘Be a mate, it’s worth it’ includes practical tools and tips to empower trainees and apprentices with the knowledge and confidence to have meaningful R U OK? conversations and foster supportive friendships.

“Research shows that being an apprentice or trainee can be challenging for young people who are learning to transition from the classroom to the workplace,” said Katherine Newton, R U OK? CEO. “This, combined with life’s usual ups and downs, can have a cumulative effect on mental health and their sense of social connection.

“R U OK? are encouraging apprentices and trainees to build and maintain strong friendships they can rely on as they move through life, to ensure they feel connected and supported. ‘Be a mate, it’s worth it’ is about being there for your mates, and knowing they’ll be there for you too.”

Thomas Eyre, a former apprentice fitter machinist, said his apprenticeship was a challenging time.

“During my apprenticeship, my mental health started to decline. It had a massive impact on how I felt,” he said. “I started isolating myself and stopped reaching out to mates.”

Eyre said he related to research that found those on the receiving end of a meaningful R U OK? conversation often report feeling supported, heard, safe and better about managing their situation — having talked it through with someone who showed genuine interest and concern.

“When you have people checking in, it encourages you to open up,” Eyre said. “I received the best support from people who asked, ‘What’s wrong?’ and then truly listened. You don’t have to offer much advice; just be that ear they can talk to. Talking through it really helps.

“It’s daunting to ask for help, and a lot of the time, we don’t do it. So, you’ve got to be the one to reach out and ask, ‘Are you okay?’ It’s important to have those conversations regularly because we might face a challenging time any day of the year. You can be a supportive mate just by checking in — send a message, grab a coffee or go for a run together.”

For free and confidential support at any time of day or night, young people up to 25 years of age can access Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or chat online 24/7 at: kidshelpline.com.au.

For support at any time of day or night, Lifeline provides free and confidential crisis support. Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14, or chat online at: lifeline.org.au.

13YARN is a free 24/7 service offering crisis support for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people. Call 13YARN (13 92 76).

Image caption: Thomas Eyre. Image: Supplied.