New online mental health resource for FIFO workers

FIFO workers are expected to number about 63,500 by 2015 and form the backbone of the mining and resource industry in WA.

FIFO workers and their families will now have better access to information on where to get help and support, thanks to a new resource launched by Mental Health Minister Helen Morton at the’s FIFO Expo in Joondalup.

The ‘This FIFO Life’ website was developed by the Mental Illness Fellowship of Western Australia (MIFWA). Morton said it highlighted the challenges of the FIFO lifestyle and the strengths and resilience of FIFO workers and their families.

“The state government is committed to reducing Western Australia’s suicide rate, which unfortunately stands at around one person losing their life to suicide every day,” she said.

“Part of that commitment includes the allocation of small grants through the State Suicide Prevention Strategy for events such as today’s FIFO Expo. It also includes the provision of funds to non-government organisations such as MIFWA to develop resources such as ‘This FIFO Life’.

“FIFO workers have unique needs and they will be recognised as a priority group in the new multiyear suicide prevention strategy currently under development.”

The minister said MIFWA received $120,000 from the state government to develop the website. The fellowship undertook considerable consultation with FIFO workers and their families to identify where more information was needed to raise awareness of mental health.

“The result is a fantastic website with blogs, articles and links about many different issues relating to mental health and FIFO workers,” she said. “It also includes short videos of FIFO workers and family members highlighting issues and sharing ideas, as well as a section on where to get help.”

The FIFO Expo follows the recent launch of R U OK? Afield, a new resource to help FIFO workers talk to their mates and colleagues if they think they might be struggling.

“R U OK? Afield uses tongue-in-cheek humour to remind mates working far from home that it’s not always obvious that someone is struggling,” she said. “Resources include posters for staff and team leaders, staff postcards and toolbox talking points for managers.”