Goodman Fielder International (Fiji) Limited has taken a significant step to enhance mental health support by forming a partnership with Lifeline Fiji. This initiative aims to cultivate a safe and supportive environment for the company’s 1,200 employees and their families, while also addressing the stigma surrounding mental health challenges within the broader Fijian community.
Tim Carter, the general manager of Goodman Fielder Fiji, emphasized the importance of this partnership, sharing a personal anecdote about his daughter’s mental health struggles and how seeking professional help was transformative for their family. “While we want to support our employees, we do not pretend to be mental health experts. That’s where Lifeline comes in,” he elaborated, underlining the necessity of professional assistance in effective mental health care.
Lifeline Fiji’s chairperson, Selina Kuruleca, acknowledged that partnerships with organizations like Goodman Fielder enable them to focus on their core services without financial constraints, while also highlighting the urgent need for mental health training across the community. The current review of the Employment Relations Act presents an essential opportunity for advocating the addition of mandatory mental health training in legislative frameworks.
The collaboration is not only expected to benefit employees but also the community at large, reflecting Goodman Fielder’s commitment to prioritizing well-being and addressing mental health stigma. Jeremaia Qalobula, the CEO of Lifeline Fiji, remarked on the potential impact of this collaboration, stating, “Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of many.”
This initiative aligns with recent efforts in Fiji to combat rising suicide rates among vulnerable populations, particularly older adults, who face significant mental health challenges. Reports indicate that community engagement and collaboration have been pivotal in driving change and support, further emphasizing the importance of mental health discussions within the workplace and society.
The focus on fostering an atmosphere where mental health issues can be openly discussed is a positive step forward, creating a hopeful outlook for individuals and families impacted by mental health struggles. By encouraging dialogue and support, Goodman Fielder and Lifeline Fiji aspire to contribute to a healthier future for all Fijians.
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