Canberra Airport workers with mild depression and anxiety will soon be able to access free support from trained mental health coaches under an initiative announced on Friday.
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Community Services Minister Mick Gentleman said a free NewAccess mental health service would now be available to workers at Canberra Airport one day a week.
NewAccess is a free early intervention program based on a successful British model and allows people with mild to moderate depression or anxiety to access "low-intensity" mental health support from trained coaches.
Mr Gentleman said one in three women and one in five men experienced anxiety at some stage in their life and so it was important mental health services were available close to where people lived and worked.
"Free NewAccess services in the airport business precinct will impact positively on workers' health and wellbeing and will also help to reduce the stigma that can surround mental health," he said.
"It is great to see another option being made available for people experiencing anxiety and depression, which are very common disorders in our Australian community.
"We already know this type of early intervention service is very effective in improving the mental health of individuals."
ACT Medicare Local chair Rashmi Sharma said the organisation was the first in Australia to trial the NewAccess program following its success in the UK.
Canberra Airport planning and government relations director Noel McCann said it was hoped that by supporting the early intervention service, it would make access to support easier for those people who may be less likely to seek support.
"We understand that people live very busy lives and that some are dealing with work pressure or stress at home," he said.
"Our aim is to provide a welcoming sense of community that supports that all important balance between work, health and lifestyle."
Mr Gentleman said community partnerships such as the one at the airport were an effective way of delivering services in Canberra and would make the airport a healthier workplace.
NewAccess is funded by Movember and beyondblue and access coaches provide low-intensity psychological strategies and support on either a face-to-face basis or over the phone for up to six sessions.
