Writing a Will is one of the most important tasks that you can undertake to ensure that your wishes are respected and your loved ones are cared for. Life can be unpredictable, and while we cannot control the future, we can all make sure that when the time comes, our wishes are respected.

No matter where you are in your life – whether you’re young and healthy or at a major life milestone, writing a Will is a task that should not be overlooked. It’s an important step you can make to take control of your future and ensure your legacy is protected. From 24 January to 7 February, we are proudly partnering with Safewill so that you can write your Will for free.

Many of us only commence writing a Will later on in life, or when significant assets or changes need to be managed. But, the truth is that writing a Will is essential at any stage of life, regardless of your age or situation. A well-crafted Will allows you to clearly identify what your wishes are, and how you’d like your assets to be handled.

Without a Will, your assets may not be distributed in line with your wishes. Writing a Will will ensure that you will control who will receive your property and assets – whether it be your family, friends or organisations that you care about. A Will provides peace of mind for you, and your loved ones, making the process easier during an already difficult time.

We are proud to be partnering with Safewill to offer a free Will-writing service from 24 January to 7 February, in a bid to make writing a Will accessible to everyone.

Safewill is an online Australian and New Zealand-based platform that simplifies the process of creating a legally binding Will. It is designed to make writing a Will easy, quick, affordable and secure.

Through partnering with Safewill, you can protect your future without any financial burden. Safewill ensures that the Will-writing process is straightforward and easy to navigate, so you can have your affairs in order as soon as possible.

At Stride, our mission is to provide personalised support that meets people’s needs, no matter their circumstances.

If this aligns with you, please consider adding a gift to Stride Mental Health in your Will. A mental health donation is a gift that will last a lifetime.

By adding a gift to Stride in your Will, your donation will help others access vital mental health services so that they can have a better today, and tomorrow. Help us to help others get the most out of life.

Writing a Will can protect your loved ones, regardless of your age or circumstances. It’s a way to make your voice heard and ensure your wishes are respected.

The free Will-writing opportunity provided by Stride and Safewill is available from 24 January to 7 February, so it’s important to act during this period. By taking advantage of this special offer, you can secure your future and provide clarity for your loved ones without the usual costs associated with Will-writing services.Writing a Will doesn’t have to be a complicated or costly process. Visit Safewill today to begin writing your Will for free, and take advantage of this limited-time offer.

Australia recently introduced a new law – ‘the right to disconnect‘- which represents a significant leap in promoting a healthy work-life balance to protect employees’ mental health.

In the last few years, post-COVID, we’ve seen a major shift with workplaces increasingly moving to an online model. Following this, after-hours emails, internal messages and work calls have blurred the boundaries between work time, and personal time. The increased connectivity to the online world has taken a toll on the mental health of Australian workers. According to the Safe Work Australia Report, ‘Psychological health and safety in the workplace’, work-related mental health issues have risen in recent years, with a 36.9% increase since 2018. Addressing these statistics is imperative for the health of Australians. But what is the right to disconnect, and what does it entail?

The right to disconnect is a new Australian law that ensures employees are not expected to engage in work-related communications outside their agreed work hours.

This can include emails, texts or messages, or phone calls outside of office hours. Employers are also encouraged to establish clear policies and regulations that respect these boundaries.

By introducing this law, the government hopes to improve the mental health of the workforce, reduce burnout, and enhance productivity.

The Right To Disconnect law applies to all Australian workers but particularly affects office workers and remote employees based on their contracts and flexible working policies.

The core of this new law is that all employees deserve the right to be undisturbed during their personal time. The right to disconnect underscores the importance of clear boundaries for maintaining work-life balance. When respected, these boundaries promote better mental health, improved focus, and greater job satisfaction.

According to research, the effects of burnout are detrimental to employees’ wellbeing. According to a study from The Black Dog Institute, the most common reason for work-related mental health concerns in Australia is work pressure.

Disconnecting from the workplace not only prevents harm but also offers tangible benefits.

Studies show improved sleep, reduced anxiety, and increased productivity when employees disconnect from work after hours. Healthy boundaries not only enhance individual wellbeing but also strengthen team morale and cohesion.

Creating a workplace culture that respects the right to disconnect requires intentional effort. Here’s how teams and managers can support this shift:

1. Encourage Clear Communication: Establish expectations for after-hours communication. For example, designate certain hours as ‘non-contact times.’
2. Implement ‘No-Email’ Policies After Hours: Discourage sending emails or messages outside of work hours unless absolutely necessary.
3. Schedule Non-Urgent Communications: Use tools like delayed sending to ensure non-urgent messages reach employees during work hours.
4. Designate a Team ‘Switch-Off’ Time: Create a shared practice of switching off work devices at a specific time each day.

Australia’s right to disconnect law is a powerful tool for fostering healthier workplaces. By respecting employees’ time, businesses can enhance mental health, reduce burnout, and improve overall productivity.

Healthier employees are more engaged, motivated, and effective. As organisations implement boundary-setting practices, they contribute to a more sustainable, supportive work environment. If you, or someone you know require support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Find out more about our services.

Navigating the journey of mental health can be made easier when someone who understands the path can walk alongside you – which is where peer support workers come in.

Peer support workers are those who have their own lived experience in mental health, and recovery. Using this experience, they can connect with others, guiding them on their mental health journey.

Unlike clinicians, peer support workers do not provide diagnoses or treatments. Instead, they facilitate a safe space for people to share experiences, navigate challenges, and build goals for their future. Their unique perspective and personal experience can foster a sense of trust and comfort for those they support.

Peer support workers work alongside clinicians to provide a holistic approach to mental health care.

According to Orygen, peer support workers can help others facing a range of mental health challenges, whether it be from:

• Encountering difficulties at work/school.
• Navigating relationships.
• Or any other part of life that affects a person’s mental health.

A clinician will help guide the individual using expert advice and strategies, while a peer support worker is a companion who offers encouragement, empathy, and understanding based on their own experience.

Peer support workers can help others face-to-face, over the phone or in an online setting.

Gill Abadines is a Peer Worker at Parramatta Medicare Mental Health Centre (Formerly Parramatta Head to Health). Gill ‘stumbled’ into peer support after their own mental health journey.

They realised the value of having someone to connect with who understood the challenges firsthand.

Now, Gill creates a space for clients to ‘take the reins’ and discuss what’s important to them. Sessions can cover a wide range, from exploring gender identity to decompressing after a difficult session with a clinician.

Gill believes their vulnerable approach to peer work provides a sense of autonomy to the client that can help them feel empowered in their own recovery.

Peer support is a growing field in mental health. According to The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the number of peer workers in the industry is steadily increasing, with an increase of 18% during the financial year of 2021-2022

As Gill highlights, working with peer support workers allows clients to regain control and navigate the mental health system.

Peer support workers offer a unique perspective that complements traditional clinical approaches.

Gill describes their work as a “symbiotic relationship.” While supporting others, they also learn and reflect on their own journey. As a peer support worker, they have gained valuable insights from clients, making their own recovery journey even more meaningful.

Peer support workers play a crucial role in mental health recovery. By offering empathy, understanding, and shared experiences, they empower individuals to navigate their challenges and build resilience.

Their unique perspective complements traditional clinical care, fostering a more holistic approach to mental health. Ready to take the next step in your mental health recovery? Contact us today to find out more.  If you would like to become a peer worker, click the link here to view all available jobs at Stride as we are focusing on growing our peer workforce.

Did you know that 1 in 100 Australians are living with schizophrenia? Despite so many people being impacted by the complex mental health condition, it remains a misunderstood disorder, attached to a great deal of negative stigmas.

Schizophrenia affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, and is often presented by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganised thinking, which can significantly impact an individual’s daily life.

It’s important to note that schizophrenia is a manageable condition, and with the right services, treatment and support network, individuals can lead fulfilling lives.

Symptoms of schizophrenia often present themselves in late adolescence to early adulthood, a critical period of life when people are starting to establish their independence, careers, and relationships.

Access to early intervention and ongoing support can make a significant difference in the quality of life for those living with schizophrenia.

Myth 1: Schizophrenia Means Split Personality

One of the most common myths about schizophrenia is that one of the symptoms is having a ‘split personality.’ This misconception is often confused with dissociative identity disorder (formerly known as multiple personality disorder).

In reality, schizophrenia is not about having multiple personalities; rather, it involves symptoms such as hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that aren’t there), delusions (false beliefs), and disorganised thinking. These symptoms can vary in intensity and frequency and may be episodic in nature.

Understanding this distinction is key to supporting those affected by the condition.

Myth 2: People Living With Schizophrenia Are Violent

Another common myth is that individuals with schizophrenia are violent and dangerous.

Not only is this stereotype inaccurate, but it also contributes to the stigma and fear surrounding the condition.

In reality, the majority of people living with schizophrenia are not violent. They are more likely to be victims of violence themselves rather than perpetrators.
By challenging this misconception, we can help create a more supportive and compassionate environment for those living with schizophrenia.

Myth 3: Treatment and Recovery Options Are Limited

While schizophrenia is a long-term and complex condition, this does not mean that those living with it cannot manage their symptoms or lead productive lives.

There are effective treatments available including antipsychotic medications cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), supportive psychotherapy, and treatment for co-occurring conditions such as substance use disorders.

With the right combination of treatments and support, people living with schizophrenia can live fulfilling and happy lives.

Social Isolation

The stigma surrounding schizophrenia can often lead to social isolation, which can have a profound impact on mental health and overall wellbeing.

People living with schizophrenia may be excluded by their communities, leading to loneliness and a sense of disconnection from society.

Breaking down this stigma is essential to helping those affected feel included and supported.

Barriers to Treatment

These stigmas can also create barriers to seeking help. Fear of judgment or discrimination may discourage individuals from accessing the treatment they need, leading to delays in accessing diagnosis and support.

Educating the public about schizophrenia can help reduce these barriers, encouraging more people to seek early intervention and ongoing support.

Education and Awareness

Raising awareness about schizophrenia is vital to challenging stereotypes and fostering empathy.

By promoting accurate information and understanding, we can combat misinformation and encourage a more compassionate approach to mental health.

Creating a supportive and stable environment is key to helping someone living with schizophrenia.

Be sure to listen to their experiences and concerns without judgment actively. Providing a safe space where they feel heard and understood can make a significant difference in their wellbeing.

It’s important to approach conversations with an open mind, avoiding assumptions based on stereotypes. Instead, try asking questions and seeking to understand the person’s perspective. This can help you provide more meaningful support and strengthen your relationship.

Educating yourself about schizophrenia can help you better understand the challenges your loved one may be facing. The more informed you are, the better equipped you’ll be to provide the support they need.

If you or someone you know is living with schizophrenia, it’s important to know that you are not alone.

Stride provides a range of resources and support services for individuals and families affected by schizophrenia.

For more information, or to find support, contact us.

Together, we can work towards a future where everyone feels supported and understood.