A Deakin University led mental health first aid and relationship building training program, offered as complimentary CPD to eligible members.
IN BRIEF
- In 2020, nearly 1 in 3 SME owners were diagnosed with anxiety, depression, stress or related mental health issues
- Accountants trained in mental health first aid can provide intermediary business and mental health support
- Register now to become an accredited mental health first aider to support your clients and community
Chartered Accountants ANZ have partnered with Deakin Business School to offer a unique program – Counting on U. This will support eligible members to confidently identify and support the mental health outcomes of small to medium enterprise (SME) clients as well as colleagues or customers.
During COVID, and no doubt before, accountants providing advice to clients experienced many SME owners in distress with financial and mental health issues. Counting on U recognises the impacts of the pandemic will continue to be an on-going challenge. As Trusted Advisors, accounting professionals can play a key intermediary role in identifying signs of distress in this at-risk population and support people to reach the mental health resources they need.
This training is not intended to enable members to diagnose or treat mental illness. Rather, it is equips participants with high level communication skills to have sensitive conversations.
This initiative is funded by the Australian Treasury, the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (NHMRC), and other Deakin partner organisations so it can be offered as complimentary CPD to eligible members.