Be A Mate – Hei Hoa Te Ngāhere is a nationwide mental health and wellbeing programme for people working in the forestry industry. It is designed collaboratively with A-OK New Zealand, a recognised provider of mental health and suicide prevention programmes; and forestry stakeholders, managed and led by people in the industry, looking out for their mates.
Companies involved in the pilot (Hawke’s Bay,2022) saw how the programme provided a pathway to accessing their Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP’s), other community support organisations and providing tools internally to support your “Mate”, noting an increase in employees making use of the programme.
At a time when the forestry communities in the cyclone-impacted regions of Tairāwhiti and Hawke's Bay face severe challenges, the importance of supporting each other has never been clearer. These communities are grappling with the loss of their social licence to operate, economic uncertainties brought on by global conditions, the very real impacts of climate change, and the lingering effects of the post-COVID world. Added to this are the financial and business pressures that affect everyone.
On a personal level, the stresses and strains faced by individuals and their whānau are significant. It's critical to implement this programme now, as it is not an overstatement to say that lives are at risk. This programme is about more than just business—it's about the wellbeing and safety of the people who make up these communities.
People
Matter
Well-being Starts With Me and Then US
Forestry workers and personnel will have the tools, skills and confidence to identify, and respond to symptoms of mental health and well-being that impact on work, well-being, work mates, and whanau. The Programme ensures sustainability of the programme by training trainers in regions, and larger companies to continue to deliver the programme and provide support for those that need it.
NATIONAL INDUSTRY NETWORK
The Be A Mate Forestry programme will create a national network of support for forestry worker mental health and wellbeing. The positive effects will include reduced absenteeism, increased work output and production, increased health and safety, and a happier workforce.
Be A Mate
Hei Hoa - Te Ngahere
Well-being Forestry Programme
HeyMate: Providing information about the impact of distress and suicide on organisations and communities within forestry, recognising signs of someone in need, know how to respond safely and where to find existing support services. Suitable for anyone interested in gaining awareness and learning tools respond to their own distress signals.
CoMate: The role of the Connector was established to facilitate initial support. Connectors check in with individuals, connect them to further help, and refer them to Safety Aiders for more comprehensive support. They focus on ensuring the person is coping and then refer them to Safety Aiders who can develop a detailed safety plan for work and home. Focused on increasing and sustaining wellness in your team through check-ins.
HelpMate: HelpMate focus on creating safety plans that help individuals navigate their daily lives without engaging in unsafe coping activities. They are the next step after Connectors and provide crucial support for maintaining safety. Focused on increasing safety and prevention of psychosocial harm.
GrowMate: Supports employees' recovery and return to work after a mental health or suicide experience. After a one-day training, HR managers or staff in pastoral care, supervisory, or wellbeing roles will be equipped to coordinate support for employees returning from suicide or mental distress, as well as for the staff awaiting their return. Focused on returning back to work after a mental health or suicide experience.
Be A Mate
Hei hoa - te ngahere
MEET THE
TRAINERS
We Currently have HelpMates (Safety Aiders)at
