AFTA to increase mental health resources for members

MENTAL HEALTH spelled in letters on a blue background
By Alexandra Coulton


The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) is rolling out a new mental health resource for its Victorian members.

The peak retail travel body will appoint a full-time resource to provide mental health support, thanks to new funding from the Victorian government.

As a result, Victorian members will soon have access to in-person, bespoke and individual services to alleviate the impacts the pandemic has on mental health within small businesses.

The wider AFTA membership base and the AFTA team is also expected to benefit via tailored webinars and workshops.

Recruitment for the position, which is fully funded by the Victorian government’s Department of Health, is now underway.

The funding is part of the Victorian government’s $26 million Wellbeing and Mental Health Support program for small businesses, funded by the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, managed by the Department of Health and Human Services and delivered by the Partners in Wellbeing team at EACH.

“Travel is a sector which has been in hard lockdown since March 2020, and anyone working in travel, regardless of where they are located, has been amongst the hardest hit,” said AFTA chair Tom Manwaring.

“We are doing it tough, and have been for a year and a half, so AFTA is delighted to be able to add the Victorian Small Business Wellbeing Project to the resources we have to help us all navigate our way forward.”

“We know from talking to our members that now is a particularly challenging time due to the cumulative impact of continuing state and territory lockdowns and the international travel ban. This additional support for our members’ mental wellbeing could not have come at a better time.”

Featured image source: iStock/CraigRJD

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