Local Business takes pro-active approach to mental health through employment

Written on the 17 October 2016

According to an ABS study conducted in 2014, 45% of Australians between the ages of 16-85 will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. It is also a fact that 1 in 5 Australians have taken time off work in the last 12 months due to feeling mentally unwell. In the last decade it has become clear to Kimberley Personnel that this is the case in Broome and it needs to be addressed.

Kimberley Personnel is a Specialist Employment Agency supporting local businesses in the employment of local people affected by injury, illness & disability, which includes mental illness. When most people hear the words "mental illness" it conjures up feelings of fear. The truth is that this fear is the product of Hollywood and not reality. The reality is much more mundane and much more common than most of us realize.

In February 2012 Kimberley Personnel and Kimberley Mental Health and Drug Service implemented an "Individual Placement and Support" (IPS) service in Broome. IPS is a scientifically proven way of supporting people affected by mental illness to be successful at work. IPS was developed in the US in the 90's and has since achieved outstanding results in many countries around the world. The magic of IPS is in linking clinical care with robust employment servicing.

It may surprise you to learn that IPS sees employment as the medium for recovery and the key to staying well. We have definitely found this to be true in Broome. From an employer's perspective IPS presents a pool of local people who are keen to work and who will approach their employment with gratitude and commitment. In addition Kimberley Personnel provides ongoing support and mentoring to their clients for as long as it's needed.

While Kimberley Personnel has a pool of local people (not just IPS clients) seeking employment our services extend far beyond recruitment and IPS. Kimberley Personnel also provides a Job in Jeopardy Service. This program provides support to businesses and their valued employees' where an illness, injury or disability is placing a person's employment at risk.

Kimberley Personnel exists to support your business, your staff and those in our community affected by illness, injury and disability. Please do contact Kimberley Personnel if you'd like to know more about their services and especially if you would like to put them to the test. Their services are free and have been provided quietly in Broome for over 20 years.

For further information contact: 

Steve Cook
Manager|Kimberley Personnel Inc.
Specialist Employment Services
Phone: (08) 9193 6631
Email:    steve@kimberleypersonnel.org.au