The cost of living and associated financial and mental stresses are on everyone’s mind...

Beyond Blue has developed research, resources, and tools for Australian financial, utilities and mental health services. This session will focus on utilities; specifically, energy + water services and how these services can most effectively support customers experiencing stress in the current economic climate.

In this session you will hear specifically about how the Services Guide for Financial and Mental wellbeing can be used by your teams and leaders to enhance their awareness and confidence in supporting customers during their financial and mental health challenges.

Beyond Blue is Australia’s most well-known and visited mental health organisation.
Beyond Blue supports people experiencing anxiety, depression and those at an increased risk of suicide with counselling, information, advice and referrals. A national, not-for-profit organisation, whose vision is to help all people in Australia achieve their best possible mental health.

Under our current strategy we have three priority areas:
1. Promoting mental health and wellbeing
2. Being a trusted source of information, advice and support, and
3. Working together to prevent suicide.

Introducing Irene Verins...

Irene is the Wellness and Prevention Lead at Beyond Blue - she oversees development of research relating to Financial and Mental Wellbeing, and the design of tools and resources to support the community.
Irene also oversees the Parenting and Mental Health portfolio.

Prior to this, Irene worked for many years at VicHealth - the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation in Australia. Here she was the Manager of the Mental Wellbeing Program with responsibility for setting strategy, guiding research and program implementation across determinants of mental wellbeing such as social connection, family violence, racism, and economic participation. She has designed workforce development programs, managed complex partnerships and held advisory positions with trusts, governments and the not-for-profit sector.

This community of practice is a collaboration between the Energy Charter and Water Services Association of Australia under our Collaboration Memo of Understanding (MoU). To become a regular member, please contact Bec Jolly, Director Collaboration at bec.jolly@theenergycharter.com.au.