Gallagher Australia has received gold standard accreditation by Mental Health First Aid Australia after it surpassed the required standards – and says it is the first Australian brokerage to be recognised.

Gallagher has introduced a network of volunteers trained and accredited as Mental Health First Aiders to support employees experiencing challenges to their mental health and wellbeing.

This is designed to be accessible to all employees and committed to being available and approachable, listen without judgement, and to offer advice and strategies to encourage self-care and provide information about professional support services.

Gallagher Principal, National Education & Training, Workplace Risk Brianna Cattanach says the Mental Health First Aid program offers early intervention and every opportunity for team members impacted to be supported.

“These actions position us to best support our greatest assets, our people,” Ms Cattanach said, adding Gallagher had created a connected, supported and engaged workplace with empathy “for the challenges we will all inevitably face”.

To gain its gold standard Mental Health Skilled Workplace accreditation, Gallagher demonstrated the following affirmative actions: promoting mental health culture in the workplace, actively providing support to individuals, documented mental health policies and procedures, regular sharing of mental health educational resources, staff benefits programs, communication about Mental Health First Aiders and the intention of the support network.