FAQs

SHM is a mental health program for the transport industry. Delivering Mental Health First Aid training to transport workers and creating a network of trained peers who can recognise the signs of declining mental health and have the skills and confidence to know what to say and where to direct for help. Our aim is to normalise discussions around mental health in order to reduce stigma and encourage people to access help if they need it, to promote on the ground support for people experiencing mental health issues, and ensure a network of peer-to-peer support is available.

The world we live in today would not be possible without the use of transport. Millions of people depend on trucks, couriers, planes, trains, busses, and boats to get from place to place and to deliver and receive goods, products, and raw materials. The transport industry also ensures that regional and rural communities remain connected, allowing these communities to thrive. The transport industry employs over half a million people in Australia, making it one of the largest employment sectors, and vital to Australia’s economy.

People deserve to feel safe, healthy and supported at work. Many states now require employers to identify and manage workplace factors that could harm employees’ mental health (psychosocial risks). This includes risk from job demands, work pressure, workplace culture, and harassment. The transport industry is consistently cited as one of the worst for psychological health. Studies continue to show significantly higher risk of suicide in transport than the rest of the population. Steering Healthy Minds is a preventative intervention, seeking to reduce psychological injury and rate of suicide in this vital industry.

SHM has been developed specifically for the transport industry through collaboration with both industry stakeholders and the workers on the ground. The training course has been amended to include transport specific scenarios which make the program more relatable, and applicable to real life scenarios. Our program is also more cost effective than other offerings on the market. In Western Australia, the program operates at no cost to employers who want to put their workers through the training, and two free sessions per year are available in other states around the country.

Although many organisations provide mental health training, these programs are often less comprehensive than that which is offered by Steering Healthy Minds. For instance, some may only address one or two modules included in the standard Mental Health First Aid course. While we support all forms of mental health training, the most thorough and industry-specific option available for the transport sector is the program provided by Steering Healthy Minds.

Mental Health First Aid training is the gold standard in mental health training. It equips participants with the skills to support another adult who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis until professional help is received, or the crisis resolves.

Those who complete the two-day course and pass a brief exam become accredited Mental Health First Aiders, with this accreditation lasting three years. Topics covered include depression, anxiety, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts and behaviours, psychosis, substance use problems and traumatic events. Attendees will learn a number of vital skills, including how to recognise signs and symptoms of a mental health problem, how to have a conversation with someone they’re concerned about, how and where to get help, and how to provide first aid in crisis situations. The information provided in training is all evidence based, rigorously evaluated, and is updated regularly to ensure accuracy and relevancy.

SHM merchandise, a Mental Health First Aid manual, and catering are all included in the training.

Training is offered to anyone working in the transport industry, or roles affiliated with transport operations. Office staff, managers, drivers, and others are all welcome and encouraged to attend. The more staff trained on a worksite, the more likely it is that help will be available when it’s needed.

Our SHM courses are transport industry focused, and training is tailored to those working in or adjacent to the transport industry.

Steering Healthy Minds is not a crisis service. See our Crisis Support directory for organisations that can help you find the most suitable help for someone you are concerned for. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 000.