Resourceful Mind is a peer support training program custom designed for the resources sector. It was created in partnership by Lifeline WA, Western Australia’s leader in suicide prevention, and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME WA).

While mental health issues exist throughout the entire community, research shows that the resources sector faces unique challenges that put its workers at even greater risk of mental illness and suicide.

Resourceful Mind was custom designed to respond to this risk. Its purpose is to reduce stigmas about mental health, encourage people to seek help and support before they reach a crisis point, and to create accessible pathways for them to do so.

The program was built based on extensive consultation with the sector using a human-centred design process. As employees are more likely to seek assistance from a peer as opposed to a professional due to stigmatisation of mental ill-health, a peer support model was selected. To suit the sector and workers, which include shift, office and FIFO team members, Resourceful Mind is delivered 100% online. It uses a membership model which gives participants, called ‘Minders’, access to a suite of interactive and self-directed training, as well as skills development and coaching over a 12-month period.

Resourceful Mind:

•Is flexible and efficient for member organisations and participants (Minders). It is delivered 100% online, and free of administrative, servicing or reporting demands.

•Carefully prioritises the safety and wellbeing of Minders. Research confirms the program is psychologically safe for Minder participants.

•Is evidence based and backed by clinical governance and ongoing review.

•Is custom-built in close consultation with and for the sector and responds to changing needs of the sector.

•Fosters lasting skills development and positive cultural shifts within organisations.

•Harnesses Lifeline WA’s extensive experience in mental health and wellbeing training.

•Gives Minders the benefit of guidance from experienced trainers who are also Lifeline WA Crisis Supporters who genuinely understand how to offer support and practice self-care.

Resourceful Mind’s membership model is unique to the sector. It is not only contributing to lasting change, it is building sector-wide connections between Minders. The program utilises a crisis support model repurposed and tailored to the resources sector by the most trusted crisis support organisation, Lifeline WA.

Safe, lasting and responsive to the sector, Resourceful Mind is an innovative tool that is contributing to safe and mentally healthy workplaces and communities.

For information on Lifeline WA – Resourceful Mind, visit https://wa.lifeline.org.au/training/resourceful-mind-program