ATC Midwest awarded Gold Badge from Mental Health First Aid Australia

Mental Health First Aid Australia recognises ATC Midwest with their Gold Badge under the MHFA Skilled Workplaces Initiative.

ATC Midwest has been awarded the Gold badge because they maintain a ratio of at least 20% of FTE staff with a current Mental Health First Aid Certificate.

“We invest heavily into the development of our team. Mental Health is an issue in Australian workplaces, especially amongst youth” said Dave Clare, General Manager of ATC Midwest. “Our Recruitment Officer and our Industry Consultants are mentors to all our apprentices and trainees. Having this specialised training is critical to us engaging, inspiring and developing tomorrows leading workforce today.”

The Government of WA Mental Health Commission states:Around 75 per cent of all severe mental illness starts before the age of 24. By age 21, just over half of young people will have experienced a diagnosable psychiatric disorder. Suicide accounts for 17.8 per cent of deaths in the 15-19 year age group and nearly a quarter of all deaths in the 20-24 year age group. Good mental health is fundamental to quality of life and physical health. It contributes to the ability to find satisfying social roles in life and allows people to form positive relationships with others. For young people who are still developing socially, emotionally and physically, the development of a mental health problem or disorder can disrupt and seriously impede their social development, education, family relationships and vocational path. Improving services and support for children and young people is a matter of priority for the Mental

http://www.mentalhealth.wa.gov.au/mental_illness_and_health/youth_mentalhealth.aspx 

“This is why it is critical for employers seeking to put on an apprentice or trainee consider using services like the ones provided by ATC Midwest. It’s not just about handling paperwork and payroll for small businesses. Our people are highly trained to handle these issues that youth are facing today and provide lifestyle support to them.” Mr Clare said.