Roberts Co Case Study
Breaking down mental health stigma in construction requires authentic leadership. Discover how Roberts Co achieved remarkable utilisation rates using Foremind's services and lived experience storytelling
Foremind helped Roberts Co launch their Employee Assistance Program by combining comprehensive mental health services with powerful lived experience storytelling that challenged industry stigma and achieved remarkable utilisation rates in a traditionally high-stigma sector.
Roberts Co recognised that the construction industry faces unique mental health challenges, with workplace stigma often preventing workers from seeking support when they need it most. Rather than simply rolling out another corporate wellness initiative, Roberts Co decided to tackle these cultural barriers head-on through authentic conversation and genuine leadership commitment to mental health awareness.
Construction workers navigate physically demanding environments alongside project pressures and industry cultures that can discourage vulnerability. Roberts Co understood that breaking through these barriers required more than just providing services - it demanded changing perceptions about seeking help.
Leading with Lived Experience and Authenticity
Roberts Co partnered with Foremind to implement a comprehensive EAP featuring professional counselling services, wellbeing resources, and critical incident support. The launch strategy centred on R U OK? Day, where Joel Anderson, Foremind's founder, shared his personal mental health journey with workers during a morning tea session.This approach went beyond traditional corporate communications, using authentic storytelling to normalise conversations about mental health and demonstrate that seeking help is a sign of strength rather than weakness. The combination of accessible services and genuine leadership advocacy created an environment where workers felt permission to prioritise their wellbeing.
Breaking Barriers in a High-Stigma Industry
The launch delivered exceptional results, with Roberts Co achieving successful utilisation rates across their construction workforce - a significant accomplishment in an industry where mental health services typically face low engagement due to stigma.
"At Roberts Co, we take mental health and well-being seriously. On our sites we held a morning tea session to acknowledge R U OK? Day and promote the importance of mental health awareness. A special thank you to Joel Anderson, founder of 'Foremind,' our Employee Assistance Program provider, who shared his personal journey and offered valuable insights on how to navigate tough conversations. It was a truly inspiring session, reminding us that checking in and asking, 'Are you OK?' isn't just reserved for R U OK? Day, it's something we should be mindful of every day." - Renee Adams, HR Manager Roberts Co
The combination of Foremind's accessible platform and Roberts Co's commitment to open dialogue has created a workplace culture where mental health conversations happen naturally, extending far beyond designated awareness days.
Pioneering Change in Construction Industry Wellbeing
Roberts Co's approach demonstrates how authentic leadership and strategic service delivery can overcome entrenched industry stigma. By combining comprehensive mental health resources with genuine conversation, they've not only supported their current workforce but established a new benchmark for mental health leadership in the construction sector.
Hello 👋 I’m Joel the founder of Foremind.
Are you ready for simplified support & compliance?
Latest insights
Answers to the frequently asked questions.
Still have questions?
Email us at enquiries@foremind.com.au and we'll get back to you quickly with a response
Foremind offers multilingual support, with professionals available in languages including Spanish, Portuguese, mandarin, vietnamese and Persian
All counsellors must apply to the role and are interviewed before added to the platform, must meet the criteria as per the below.- We employee counsellors, mental health social workers, mental health nurses and psychotherapists.- Qualifications in Counselling, Psychotherapy or Social Work, minimum Bachelor or Masters qualification- Minimum 3 years direct practice experience post graduation- Registration with appropriate body – PACFA Clinical registration, ACA level 2 minimum, Accredited Mental health Social worker or Clinical Social worker- Broad experience providing individual coaching, counselling and support for personal and work-related issues- How far reaching is your EAP? We have counsellors located in every major city in Australia.
What is the difference between counsellors and psychologists? 1. Qualifications & Training - Counsellor: Typically holds a Diploma or Master’s degree in counselling, or psychotherapy. Their training is focused on practical techniques for supporting mental health and well-being.- Psychologist: Requires a Master’s or Doctorate degree in psychology and must be registered with a AHPRA Their training includes clinical assessments, diagnosis, and therapy.2. Scope of Practice- Counsellor: Provides talk therapy and guidance for life challenges like stress, anxiety, work issues, and relationships. They help clients develop coping strategies but do not diagnose mental disorders.- Psychologist: Can provide therapy like a counsellor but also conducts clinical assessments, diagnoses mental health disorders, and uses evidence-based treatments like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).3. Who Should You See?- If someone needs support for personal or work-related challenges, a counsellor is often enough.- If someone is experiencing mental health concerns, like depression, PTSD, or needs a formal diagnosis, a psychologist is more appropriate.
- Counsellors only offer f2f after the initial consult.- At Foremind, all face-to-face sessions must begin with an initial online session.- The initial online session gives your counsellor the opportunity to explain exactly how their face-to-face sessions work, what options are available, and to ensure everything is properly scheduled. This helps avoid confusion and makes sure you get the best experience possible.- For sales team info; @Dylan This is because our system currently doesn't allow therapists to list separate locations and availability for face-to-face sessions, and many of our counsellors offer in-person appointments only at specific times or locations.- For example, Skai near Byron Bay provides face-to-face sessions, but only on Thursdays and with enough advance notice to arrange space and travel.- F2F sessions also need a bigger time-buffer between so they cannot be booked back-to-back.- Availability for space -- First session is counted + information to book in counselling to allow make- F2f take 3 sessions to break through pleasing tendencies - therapeutic alliance - online