The PHN offers a unique and FREE wellbeing initiative to help health professionals prioritise their mental health.

Significant workforce issues experienced within the healthcare sector nationally, in addition to stress from the COVID-19 pandemic, has affected the emotional and mental health of both clinical and non-clinical primary care staff.

The PHN’s 2022 Primary Care COVID-19 Impact Survey revealed workforce shortages, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, had resulted in the mental and physical exhaustion of many health care professionals. This has directly impacted access to primary health care services which has flowed on to impact the region’s hospital emergency departments.

To help health care professionals develop resilience, feel good and function effectively, the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) is inviting primary care professionals and their families to participate in a unique wellbeing initiative called The Lift Project.

The Lift Project is a premier, evidence-based wellbeing solution for individuals, groups, and organisations designed to help people prioritise mental health and wellbeing.

HNECC PHN Chief Executive Officer, Richard Nankervis, said “one of the areas of most concern identified in the PHN’s 2022 Primary Care COVID Impact Survey was the negative effect on frontline health care workers experiencing anxiety about being exposed to COVID-19 and the consequences of this for their family (Source). Many health care workers have also experienced long, irregular hours and heavy workloads, contributing to increased stress which may cause or exacerbate mental health issues or burnout (Source)."

“Commencing this October, the PHN is making the Lift Project available and free. It’s designed to bring people together, so we encourage health professionals to invite a colleague or family member to join them on the adventure.

“We thank our health professionals for the work they do in providing care for people living in the Hunter, New England and Central Coast regions. This is our way of caring for them and their families.”

The program uses scientifically proven strategies from research in the fields of neuroscience, lifestyle medicine and positive psychology. Created by internationally recognised wellbeing expert, Dr Darren Morton, The Lift Project experimentally explores 10 wellbeing-enhancing topics over 10 weeks (with an emphasis on mental wellbeing and resilience) that are designed to lift individuals, groups, and organisations. The Lift Project is accessed through an online platform and can transition to face-to-face delivery as needed.

Dr Morton believes it’s never been more important to provide practical solutions to building resilience and wellbeing. “The Lift Project can be provided to large groups in a fun way, and it is easy to implement. Each module follows the LETS model – learn, experience, think, share. It takes 30 minutes per module online or 30/60 minutes in a group setting.

“Another important benefit is that participants’ family members will be offered access to the program. This will provide a whole of community approach,” said Dr Morton.

Benefits from participating in the Lift Project have been highlighted in peer-reviewed journals and presented at academic conferences. They include: 22% increase in vitality; 42% decrease in depression; 38% decrease in anxiety; and 31% decrease in stress. The Return on Investment (ROI) shows that every dollar invested in a mentally healthy workplaces can result in a positive ROI of 2.3 dollars.

Health Professionals, click to register here.

Website: www.theliftproject.global