iknowho Team Up with Black Dog Institute
You, like I, are probably very aware of the increased interest in the mental health of our industry following the well-publicised results of the Mentally Healthy survey, conducted in 2018. If you haven’t already read my blog about the outcomes of the research, you can do here.
Like most of us in the industry, I was shocked, but sadly not overly surprised by the findings. Whilst we all recognise the undeniable need to act, many of us wonder where to start? Results of the survey indicated that individuals in the marketing, media and creative industries more likely to seek help from their workplace than from a professional. Hearing this, I felt it was important to be equipped to be able to offer colleagues support in future situations.
This year, iknowho have teamed up with Black Dog Institute to provide ongoing support to our industry. As mental health is such an important issue which all too often isn’t talked about openly, we hope to carry on the current conversation. Through this partnership, we will help build mentally healthy workplaces, provide valuable links within our community, and support research to help all Australians improve their mental health.
If you don’t already know, Black Dog Institute is a translational research institute that aims to reduce the incidence of mental illness and the stigma around it. They aim to actively reduce suicide rates and empower everyone to live the most mentally healthy lives possible; something myself and the team at iknowho fiercely champion.
Do I hear you asking how you can get involved?? Well, on Tuesday 28 May, Black Dog Institute’s world-leading mental health researchers will be sharing findings from current research being carried out in the field. In addition to this, we will also be providing an opportunity to hear from those experiencing first-hand how mental illness looks in our industry, as well as equipping you with takeaway tips and insights to use going forwards within your own team.
Guest speakers will include David Westgate, ex-Creative Director, Bipolar Businessman and Mental Health Advocate, and Associate Professor Samuel Harvey, Director of Discovery, Academic, and leader of the Workplace Mental Health Research Program at Black Dog Institute.
We’ll also be launching Emerge during the evening, the aim of which is to:
- Allow professionals such as you and I to come together for open discussions regarding mental health, suggest our own initiatives and network
- Improve mental health literacy and help make our workplaces mentally healthier
- Help raise funds for mental health research and to support young researchers in the early years of their careers with the Black Dog Institute
The event is going to be held at Atlassian HQ in Sydney. If you and your team would like to join us, Black Dog Institute ask for a $50 tax-deductible donation per person. This money will help continue invaluable research into diagnosing, treating and preventing mental illnesses. You can pop your name on the guest list by registering here.
If you have any questions or would like to know more about the event, please reach out to Dene Gambotto or myself. Alternatively, you can reach out to Lewis Blomfield at Black Dog Institute.
I hope to see you there, and look forward to working together to help improve the mental health of our industry!
