If you’re the owner of a small business in the residential housing industry, you’re not just one of the tools – you’re the person keeping the whole show on the road. Financially, logistically and, in a lot of cases, emotionally.

‘Research shows that around one in three small business owners have experienced stress, anxiety or depression,’ says Beyond Blue’s Chief Engagement Officer, Greg Jennings ‘I think it comes down to the unique set of stresses that small business owners face in their daily life.’

With a large portion of the residential construction sector made up of small businesses and sole traders, this is an issue that runs deep in our industry. For HIA members, small business worries can be compounded by industry-specific factors such as long working hours and intense or physically demanding working conditions.

Beyond Blue’s NewAccess for Small Business Owners, or NASBO, was created in response to rising calls for a dedicated mental health support service for small business owners.

The free, evidence-based low-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy, offers small business owners up to six sessions and two follow-up sessions, working with a specialist coach with small business experience. It helps business owners deal with the pressure and stress of small business life. Participation is free, confidential and no GP referral is required.

‘Each session is practical, guided and focused on solutions that work for you. You will leave with real strategies you can use immediately to handle stress and worry,’ Greg says.

While talking to a friend or family member can be helpful, NASBO’s trained mental health coaches all have small business experience, so they understand the unique pressures and challenges small business owners face and their assistance is tailored accordingly.

It's not about solving the problems for them but helping them to build the resilience and look at ways to change those possibly unhelpful behaviours by identifying how to find the answers for themselves. Many small business owners have told us the program has helped them get back on track and even feel more productive.’

NASBO consistently shows strong results: 76% of small business owners who participated showed clinically significant improvement in their symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, more than 91% felt more productive and better able to address future business challenges, and nearly 96% felt better able to manage mental health challenges when they arose.

To learn more about NASBO and check your eligibility go to: NASBO. Or read about HIA members' own experiences, and how NASBO can help go to: Small business, big worries.

To access immediate assistance for someone you’re concerned about:

Beyond Blue: The Beyond Blue Support Service is a free telephone and online counselling service is open 24/7 for everyone in Australia. Phone 1300 224 636 or contact via webchat.

Lifeline Australia: Australia’s leading suicide prevention service, this national charity provides Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support. Phone 13 11 14.

HIA Charitable Foundation: Let’s make a change together