The Visual Media Association (VMA), in partnership with Anchor Health, is proud to announce an exclusive industry initiative providing Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training to its members. Offering a discounted fee for all and a further $100.00 subsidy to the first 100 members who register, the VMA is making a significant step towards improving workplace wellbeing.

The announcement was made during Week Two of the VMA’s Power of Print (P.o.P) webinar series, when Steven Gamble, Founder of Anchor Health, joined VMA Chief Executive Officer, Kellie Northwood to discuss mental health literacy and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) planning for businesses.

“Our mission is simple – health is health. Just as we ensure our workplaces have first aid officers for physical health, we must now do the same for mental health,” said Northwood. “This formal partnership with Anchor Health is a continuation of our commitment to supporting every aspect of our members’ business environments – from technical and industrial to personal and emotional wellbeing.”

Steven Gamble, a long-standing advocate for mental health and former print industry professional, has led Anchor Health since 2017. The social enterprise has delivered thousands of mental health education programs across Australia, with a specific focus on creating supportive, resilient workplaces.

“Too often, challenges go unseen until they become crises,” Gamble explained during the webinar. “Mental Health First Aid equips staff with the tools to recognise early signs of distress, provide immediate support, and connect colleagues to appropriate professional help. It’s about prevention, awareness, and practical action.”

The MHFA training, available through a range of delivery models including face-to-face and blended online formats, covers developing mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, and substance misuse. It also provides critical crisis intervention strategies for issues like suicidal ideation, panic attacks, and severe psychological distress.

As part of this initiative, VMA members will benefit under the VMA Better Business Tools offering, which includes a 20% discount on educational, counselling and business services as well as an additional subsidy to the first 100. The additional $100 subsidy for the first 100 member companies further reduces the barrier for small to medium enterprises seeking to build a culture of care.

“Across our sector, 91% of our members are small businesses. They are families, close-knit teams and wellbeing is everyone’s business. Given the latest statistics showing that 47% of light manufacturing workplace injuries are psychological, and the sector is 9.2 times more likely to report mental health-related issues over workplace injuries, offering this support to our members to be well-positioned to support their teams is true custodianship from the Board who I would like to thank for their support,” furthered Northwood.

Gamble emphasised the importance of proactive leadership and workplace inclusivity: “MHFA training is not about being a therapist. It’s about being ready – ready to listen, to recognise distress, and to provide calm, practical support in the moment it matters most.”

This partnership also includes access to Anchor Health’s EAP services, with telehealth-based counselling sessions available for employees and their immediate families. The program is designed to be highly accessible, confidential, and immediate – with average access times under 24 hours.

“With psychosocial hazards now being reviewed at state level for legislation, our businesses need to be prepared with supportive programs to assist their teams, the EAP solution, with discounted fee structure for members is a key part of securing supportive programs to assist our members be the most successful businesses they can be,” concluded Northwood.

VMA urges members to take advantage of this opportunity and lead the way in mental health awareness. To express interest and secure the $100 additional subsidy, member companies should contact hello@visualmediaassociation.org.au.