MICE industry bodies partner up with Beyond Blue to promote mental health recources

MICE industry bodies partner up with Beyond Blue to promote mental health recources

A spate of MICE industry bodies have teamed up with Beyond Blue to support small tourism and events business owners across Australia.

The Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) is collaborating with Meetings and Events Australia (MEA), the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) and its member convention bureaux network to highlight the support available through the NewAccess for Small Business Owners (NASBO) program.

Using the program, the business events industry can access free and confidential mental health coaching.

On Monday, Beyond Blue’s small business engagement manager, Mel Novak, shared key details on the program for small business owners experiencing challenges via an online webinar presentation during National Mental Health Month. 

This mental health coaching program, jointly conceived by Beyond Blue and the Australian Small Business and Family Ombudsman (ASBFEO), is fully funded by the federal government and was specifically developed to provide much-needed support for small business owners and sole traders during these challenging times.

AACB chief executive Andre Heibl said: “The visitor and events supply chain, predominantly made up of small businesses, are integral to the return of business events and ultimately the successful rebound of our industry into the future.

“The need to collaborate and support each other has never been more important, and this initiative will provide much-needed support for small business owners across the country.”

Peter McDonald, chief executive of the MEA, stressed the importance of mental health in today’s society.

“For many in our sector, the COVID pandemic has amplified their exposure to it,” he said.

“Bringing awareness of the help available from Beyond Blue through its NASBO program is one way in which we and other events industry bodies can be united in supporting our individual memberships and the greater sector.”

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