Story: Sarah O’Donovan a profound impact The HIA Charitable Foundation, in partnership with Beyond Blue since 2014, promotes mentally healthy workplaces in an industry aicted by suicide. I n September, former Prime Minister and Chair important to remember the profound impact a small of Beyond Blue Hon. Julia Gillard AC visited HIA gesture can have. to discuss the importance of fostering mentally Sharing our own struggles and stories is one healthy workplaces within our industry. such gesture, which is why HIA has been sharing Ms Gillard says a mentally healthy workplace, the stories of those affected by mental illness and put simply, is ‘a place where people can work suicide in Housing throughout this year. smart, contribute their best effort, be recognised ‘Hearing directly from people affected by anxiety or for their work, and go home at the end of the day depression, who have thought of – or tried – [taking] with some energy left over, with something left in their own lives, and yet have found their way back to the tank’. living, is the most powerful antidote to stigma,’ Ms There are many ways to help fellow workers Gillard says, ‘and often the point at which people who might be battling an invisible illness, and it’s recognise that something isn’t right in themselves.’ 100 HOUSING NOVEMBER 2018 LIFESTYLES • HIA CHARITABLE FOUNDATION