MaxiTRANS drives mental health awareness

Australian trailer manufacturer MaxiTRANS has raised nearly $12,000 for mental health awareness via a campaign for 'R U OK? Day'. The company again committed to donating one per cent of business transactions on the day to the cause after a successful 2017 campaign, which raised much needed support for suicide prevention.

'R U OK? Day' is held every September and encourages people to ask friends, colleagues and family members, 'R U OK?' to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. This year brings MaxiTRANS' total donation to almost $27,000, since September 2017.

"'R U OK? Day' is a national day of action to remind us to ask, 'Are you okay?' of anyone struggling with life," said MaxiTRANS Managing Director and CEO, Dean Jenkins.

"This combined with genuine interest and follow-through in the response could save a life."

"The most recent data reports that deaths from suicide equate to around 3000 per year; that's about eight people every day," he said.

"For every death by suicide, it is estimated 30 people will attempt to take their life. It’s an important issue that should not be forgotten as an industry when we are discussing employee safety and wellbeing."

MaxiTRANS Australia and New Zealand, its parts network MaxiPARTS, and Mildura Truck Centre outlets joined together to support the cause.

MaxiTRANS also conducted a company-wide campaign for its employees, which included staff making gold coin donations, being encouraged to dress in yellow and internal events at every company site to promote discussion around maintaining mental health.

"MaxiTRANS is committed to improving safety for both our customers and our employees," said Mr Jenkins.

"We place significant emphasis on safety in our own manufacturing and service facilities as well as designing our products for safe operation by owners and operators. Safety extends to mental wellbeing not only at work but also at home. Which is why in addition to the mental health awareness campaign, we also make professional services available to our employees and their families as part of ongoing support.

"Most importantly, we should not limit suicide prevention to one day a year. If you see someone struggling, at any time, ask them 'R U OK?'".

If you or someone you know is in need of crisis or suicide prevention support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au/gethelp.