First Steps: wellbeing support

STEPPED UP: First Steps project director Michael Barnett.

Life in contemporary New Zealand society is more demanding than ever says the man behind “First Steps”, Michael Barnett.
First Steps is a free, online, self-directed resource hub which provides mental health and wellbeing support for the business world.
Users can also decide to have a conversation with a health professional to help clear any pressure or stress they may be feeling. 
Mr Barnett says more than 80,000 people downloaded First Steps material in its first months of operation.
He was not surprised, as many business colleagues had told him there would be a lot of demand for such a service.
The Government agreed and stepped in with early funding for First Steps, which was launched by the Auckland Business Chamber and the Employers and Manufacturers Association.
Kiwis suffering from stress, anxiety and frustration, or other forms of emotional and mental health issues, should know they are far from alone — their situation is common; it’s part of life, says Mr Barnett.
“Do not stigmatise yourself, do not ‘internalise’.”
The former Auckland Business Chamber chief executive and spokesman for three decades, who lost a son to suicide, said he put his hand up to help First Steps.
“I understand the pressure and know the worst it can get.”
Pressures on businesspeople mounted during the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns. Mental stress and anxiety levels have been rising again due to the cost-of-living crisis and now the devastating impacts of cyclones that have left homes and livelihoods under threat, says Mr Barnett.
Demand for First Steps has soared, with more than 300,000 New Zealanders having used the online portal now. 
First Steps has moved quickly to offer help to people impacted by Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle. They can apply for confidential, professional one-on-one mental health support by visiting firststeps.nz and filling out a simple application form.
First Steps is not just for business executives and employers — Mr Barnett says the service is now being recommended to all employees.