Mental health and wellness is increasingly a top of mind issue in 2023, and recognised as a vital component to healthy living, so it was great to speak VIDEO Interview: Arriba Group’s Head of Innovation, Michelle Barratt, talks mental health webinars and why mental health matters with Arriba Group’s Head of Innovation, Michelle Barratt, about its ongoing webinar series, and more!

In recognition of Mental Health Month this October, corporate health provider Arriba Group has begun its free mental health webinars with a variety of mental health experts for job seekers, employers, supervisors, personal injury insurance personnel and allied health professionals.

Already the first event has come and gone, but as I type, there are two more events, detailed below, on Tuesday the 17th of October, and then Tuesday the 24th of October, both from 12pm to 1pm AEDT.

But first, let’s dive straight into my video interview with Michelle embedded immediately below, to learn more about the Arriba Group, its corporate health services, its mental health and wellness efforts, its webinars and more!

So, what was the first webinar (and how can you still watch it), and what are the other two webinars that are still to take place, and which there is still time for you to freely register for?

  1. The first webinar was titled: “Navigating Workplace Psychosocial Hazards: Setting sail on smooth waters”
    · Date and Time: Tuesday, October 10th, 12pm – 1pm AEDT
    · Description: Recent revisions to workplace health and safety laws have set a new course for employers. Join us on a journey through these changes introduced by Safe Work Australia to ensure safe passage for all.
    · Speaker: Deborah Shand, Psychological Services Manager, Rehab Management

If you contact Arriba Group via the contact form at its website, access to the recording can be made available to you.

  1. The second webinar is being presented by Michelle, and is titled: “AI in Mental Health: The benefits and pitfalls”
    · Date and Time: Tuesday, October 17th, 12pm – 1pm AEDT
    · Description: Delve into the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its applications within the mental health landscape. Gain insights into common AI tools reshaping the mental health experience and industry. We will also discuss potential pitfalls and risks associated with AI in mental health.
    · Speaker: Michelle Barratt, Head of Innovation, Arriba Group
    https://www.arribagroup.com.au/mental-health-month/
  2. The third webinar is titled: “Put your own oxygen mask on first: Prioritising self-care”
    · Date and Time: Tuesday, October 24th, 12pm – 1pm AEDT
    · Description: In the fast-paced realm of allied health workers and support workers, the focus on others often overshadows the wellbeing of the caregivers themselves. This webinar highlights how prioritizing one’s wellbeing is essential for sustaining quality care and provides actionable strategies to prevent burnout and enhance resilience.
    · Speaker: Juliet Middleton, CEO, LiveBig

While we’ve all heard about mental health being an important issue over the past few years, it really came to prominence for me when I heard about Cybermindz.org, the world’s first mental wellness program for cyber security professionals.

I covered its Sydney launch in mid-2022 here, its Melbourne launch, its US launch, its UK launch, last year’s Gala Fundraising dinner, and interviews with US CISOs on the US launch.

So when I heard of Arriba Group’s webinars, I definitely wanted to know more!

As Arriba Group advises, these webinars are designed to facilitate meaningful discussions, empower individuals to take charge of their mental health, and promote a culture of care within workplaces and communities. Attendance is free, but registration is required to secure your spot, which you can do here.

Here is a summary of the topics Michelle and I spoke about:

  • I started by introducing and welcoming Michelle, noting it is Mental Health Month, and asking her to her to tell us about corporate health provider Arriba Group, her role as Head of Innovation, and the work the Arriba Group does in the mental health and wellness space.
  • Then we spoke about the mental health webinar series, and went through what people could expect from each of the three webinars, and if there was a way for people to watch the first webinar if they missed it and wanted to see it.
  • Michelle gave us a sneak peek into her webinar, which deals with AI and mental health, around which we had a fun discussion, and which is on tomorrow Tuesday 17 October as I type, and the webinar on Tuesday the 24th of October as well.
  • Given my knowledge and coverage of Cybermindz.org, I asked if Michelle had heard of Cybermindz and whether there were any plans to learn more and work together.
  • Michelle shared how she saw the health and mental wellness evolving over the next couple of years, after which she shared memories of her first computer, great advice she has received in life, and her final message to the viewers and readers!

So, please watch the video interview above, and be sure to register for the next two free webinars from the Arriba Group here!