Case Studies
Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce – SMILE4Biz Program
Program: Smile4Biz
Description: Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce (KCCI) announced their Mental Health and Wellbeing initiative (SMILE – Supporting Mental Wellbeing through Information – Leadership - Education) in June 2021.
The program offers business owners and 1 additional staff, who are members of the KCCI, a free group training session with Bunyarra Counselling and Meditation. This session is designed to utilise early intervention technique by Noticing, Inquiring, Connecting and Linking (N.I.C.L).
On top of that, the SMile4Biz program strongly encourages businesses to discuss mental health and wellness, through reducing mental illness through early intervention, encouragement and support.
Partners: Bunyarra Wellbeing Co
Funding: Initial funding of $4,000 from the Small Business Friendly Council.
Further funding from the Chamber, an FRRR Grant for $12,500, and a donation of $6,000 from a business for their initial counselling.
Outcomes: At the end of the first round of the program, more than 236 counselling sessions were conducted. Furthermore, 8 critical responses were addressed, and more than 163 information support was provided.
Caloundra Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Supporting Mental Health of Small Business
Program: Mental health support for local small businesses
Description: In 2021, the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce partnered with a research team at the University of Sunshine Coast to better understand and support the operational, financial and mental health needs of their business community. A major finding was that one third of business owners were facing significant mental wellness concerns.
In response to these findings, Caloundra Chamber partnered with experts that increased awareness and provided mental health support programs in their community. This included raising funds to provide direct access for local businesses to the Thompson Institute's Emerald wellbeing program and holding a mental health awareness in business breakfast.
Partners: Thompson Institute – University of Sunshine Coast
Funding: Support funding was secured from the Sunshine Coast Regional Council, the Queensland Mental Health Commissioner and the Stockland Community Partnerships Fund.
Outcomes: 81% of participants of the EMERALD program reported improvement in wellbeing, with an average estimated individual saving of $970 in wellbeing costs and improvements in workforce participation.