MTA NSW DONATIONS SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH, WELLBEING AND RELIEF ASSISTANCE

MTA NSW DONATIONS SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH, WELLBEING AND RELIEF ASSISTANCE

The Motor Traders’ Association of NSW (MTA NSW), an Employers Association representing thousands of automotive businesses in NSW, has entered into the Christmas spirit this year with a $100,000 donation that will be shared among four organisations, R U OK?, Beyond Blue, Rural Aid and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

According to the recipients, the funds come at a critical time with the community enduring the current Covid-19 pandemic and the on-going effects from the bushfires early this year. These events have presented mental health, wellbeing and practical relief challenges for local communities which include MTA NSW Member businesses.

Katherine Newton, CEO, at R U OK?, said that the $30,000 donation would support their work to change behaviour and equip more Australians with the skills and confidence to start an R U OK? conversation.

“We’re working to achieve this by empowering and inspiring everyone to meaningfully connect and support anyone in their life who might be struggling.”

Beyond Blue CEO, Georgie Harman, said that every dollar of the donation will go to the Beyond Blue Support Service, which is staffed by mental health professionals who can provide free counselling, advice and referrals over the phone or via webchat and email 24/7.

“People who access the service receive a brief one on one counselling session to address an immediate concern, as well as receive information and advice on continuing to seek support,” Georgie Harman said.

During the pandemic (March to November 2020) there has been a 43% increase in calls to the Support Services compared to the same time in 2019. It costs $48 to answer one call to the support service – the MTA NSW donation of $30,000 equates to 625 people that can be directly helped to receive the support when they need it most.                                                                                                                                                         

Rural Aid Business Development Manager, Craig Marsh, said that the charity was very proud of its relationship with the MTA. "This $30,000 donation from MTA NSW, will allow us to continue to develop our recovery response for NSW farming communities post drought, bushfire and Covid-19. These initiatives under our ‘Stronger Futures’ program include mental wellbeing counsellors assisting our farmers and the development of our ‘Young Minds’ wellbeing education program for rural primary school children."

Bernie Riley, General Manager, Telenursing at the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia said the $10,000 donation will benefit thousands of Australian men and families. “With the launch of our new Telenursing service in March 2021, we’ll be able to provide men and their loved ones with greater access to expert information, support and care, wherever they live. We are tremendously grateful to MTA for their support and look forward to supporting the MTA community.”   

MTA NSW CEO, Stavros Yallouridis said that approximately half its Members were based in rural communities, and that these areas had been experiencing some challenges.

“The ongoing coronavirus situation as well as bushfires and drought conditions early this year was seeing many areas of regional and rural NSW doing things tough during this year,” Mr Yallouridis said.

“MTA NSW would like to recognise the brilliant work of organisations such as R U OK, Beyond Blue, Rural Aid, and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia really comes to the fore. These bodies are so selfless in the support that they provide to those in need – MTA NSW really values their work and we are extremely proud of what they do for vulnerable Australian communities.

“We hope that this donation on behalf of our Members will assist them in continuing their excellent work,” Mr. Yallouridis said.