In 2019, OzHelp Tasmania approached Lifeline Tasmania as the preferred organisation to merge with, with Lifeline Tasmania continuing OzHelp Tasmania’s program of services. In December 2019, the members of the OzHelp Tasmania Foundation approved the merger with Lifeline Tasmania.
Lifeline Tasmania has always enjoyed a positive working relationship with OzHelp Tasmania, with the sharing of resources and a co-location arrangement with our Argyle Street premises in Hobart. In addition, we both provide similar services. Most importantly, a commitment to suicide prevention is central to the purpose of both organisations. This merger recognises the increasing demand on the services of both organisations in the community and workplace education and training areas. It enables both organisations to pool resources and reach wider audiences throughout the State.
Under Lifeline Tasmania, the OzHelp Tasmania program will retain its own brand and will continue to deliver its services to a wide range of Tasmanian workplaces; maintaining its particular connection to the building and construction industry. A demonstrated collaboration through this merger will strengthen both brands and increase our collective capability in the sector. OzHelp Tasmania officially became a program of Lifeline Tasmania on Monday 3 February, 2020.
Designed to provide workplace based early intervention suicide prevention and social capacity building programs it was built on a vision to enhance the resilience of apprentices and workers in the construction and building industry, while at the same time strengthen the leadership and support roles of the industry leaders. This is achieved by undertaking workplace training and support services including workplace mental health and wellbeing training. Success within the building and construction industry has seen an 80% reduction in deaths.
Whilst still undertaking its primary role of suicide prevention and social capacity building within the building and construction industry OzHelp Tasmania has broadened its scope due to the success of the program and requests for training and support from other industries and workplaces recognising that overall workplace mental health and wellbeing was not being fully addressed.
Activities include:
For more information about OzHelp Tasmania or to book OzHelp Training please visit the OzHelp website.