New South Wales ‘Open Road Open Up’ initiative is getting bigger than ever, as truckie mental health continues to move up the scale of importance for drivers, operators and organisations across Australia. Now, it’s expanding north from New South Wales to Queensland.
Run by GME and Rural Outreach Counselling, it is hoped the program’s expansion will help over 246,000 truckies across Australia.
GME safety expert Tony Crooke says it’s important to continue to drive mental health awareness through an industry that, traditionally, is hit hard by mental health issues.
“Mental health is one of the biggest crises affecting truckies around the nation,” Crooke says.
“In fact, nearly one in two drivers have experienced some level of psychological distress.
“With transport being one of Queensland’s biggest industries we hope our continued partnership with Rural Outreach Counselling and Jess Edwards will help change the statistics surrounding truckies’ mental health through the power of a UHF radio.”
Social media star, outback personality and truck driver Edwards, otherwise known as Jillaroo Jess, will be playing a key role in the expansion into Queensland by taking her talents to the radio on channel 24.
Truckies will be able to tune into the channel as a free support network that will connect callers with mental health advocates and like-minded drivers.
Edwards has received mental health resources and support through Rural Outreach Counselling’s MateKeeper campaign to equip her with the strategies to properly support the initiative.
“As someone who has faced their own mental health challenges I understand the struggle of spending long hours alone with your thoughts on the road,” Edwards says.
“Depression and other mental health issues can be incredibly isolating.
“Through Open Road Open Up, I hope to show others they’re not alone and encourage them to reach out for support.
“If talking over channel 24 helps someone open up and build their own support network then this initiative is a success.”
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