MEDIA RELEASE: 2 October 2020
MEDIA RELEASE - 1 October 2020
NSW based Local Government Super (LGS) has announced its partnership with national workplace mental health organisation SuperFriend, effective 1 October.
LGS was first established in 1997 to serve the superannuation and retirement needs of those working in NSW Local Government occupations. However, it is now open to any working Australian and manages approximately $12 billion for its members.
SuperFriend will support LGS’ employers and members in partnership with LGS’ group insurer TAL, with a range of online and facilitated training solutions, consulting, webinars and other resources. The aim of this partnership is to ensure a healthy and safe work environment and to reduce work-related mental health risks for LGS and their employers, and help their members reach a mentally and financially healthy retirement.
Speaking of the partnership, LGS CEO, Phil Stockwell, said "Over the last six months, COVID has highlighted the need for all of us to look after our own mental health as well as the mental health of our family and our colleagues. We can all experience stress, anxiety, or even depression at some point in our lives, but with the right support you can come out the other side stronger and more resilient.
“A good life, a fulfilling career and a productive workplace are all built on good mental health. That’s why we’ve partnered with SuperFriend to provide support, tools and other initiatives for our staff, our members, and their employers” added Mr Stockwell.
SuperFriend CEO, Margo Lydon said, "Our 2019 Indicators of a Thriving Workplace national research revealed that, despite assumptions around security and low stress in government occupations, public administration and safety was one of the top three industries where workers felt their workplace has caused a mental health condition. Our 2020 research will be released on 9 October so expect some insights into how COVID-19 has further impacted this sector.
“It’s really impressive to see LGS committing to improving mental health outcomes for its members at this particular time and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with them and their employers.”
TAL Chief Commercial Officer, Group Life & Investments, Andrew Howard, said, “Now, more than ever, it is essential that Australians have access to education and support for mental health. At TAL, we have worked closely with SuperFriend to successfully embed compulsory mental health training for our people leaders and further training to support the mental wellbeing of our employees and customers. We are delighted to support LGS’ partnership with SuperFriend to improve the mental wellbeing of LGS and its members.”
LGS joins 24 other profit-to-member funds and eight group insurers in partnering with SuperFriend, an organisation created by the sector to reduce the impact and incidence of suicide and improve workplace mental health.
