‘It is increasingly clear that many New Zealanders will be challenged by factors related to COVID-19’
Gallagher Bassett (GB) has introduced Psychological First Aid (PFA) Training, a programme designed to support the emotional, psychological and social wellbeing of businesses and their workforce, at both home and the office.
The programme is readily available in New Zealand and enables individuals to learn about and better understand the impacts mental wellness has in everyday life.
According to GB, this will contribute to a change in perception through knowledge, understanding, tolerance and acceptance.
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Unlike other programmes, PFA is developed to provide practical outcomes that individuals can use in their daily lives, according to GB New Zealand Managing Director, Craig Furness.
This programme was first delivered in 2017, with benefits from the learning opportunity experienced by over 2000 people.
It currently offers a basic foundation course and an array of additional courses covering topics such as suicide prevention, bullying, depression/sadness and resilience.
“It is also increasingly clear that many New Zealanders will be challenged by factors related to COVID-19 as we gradually transition back to a new ‘normal’ way of working,” said Furness.
“PFA intends to recognise these challenges and equip employers and managers with the skills, understanding and awareness necessary to respond appropriately.”
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The programme has been under development for four years by Graham Roper, GB’s Head of Wellness Training, with assistance from others with first-hand experience of mental illness, including family and whanau members.
“GB works with numerous New Zealand employers, helping them to protect and assist their people,” added Furness.
“This programme that Graham has developed is a natural extension to the work that we already do in this sector.”
