Foxtel commits $2.5m over two years to support mental health
Subscription TV provider Foxtel has committed $2.5m in support for community mental wellbeing through partnerships with Raise Foundation, Reach Out and R U OK?
The two-year agreement will see the media business provide airtime and engage in wellbeing programs with an aim to support Australians in living ‘healthy, happy lives and experiencing positive mental health and wellbeing’.
The announcement comes days after Foxtel’s $10m Federal Government boost which is aimed at supporting the broadcaster in showcasing women’s, niche and under-represented sports. The grant has been heavily criticised, with shadow minister for communications Michelle Rowland saying the money could have been better spent elsewhere in the struggling media industry.
Delany says mental health support is important now more than ever before
Foxtel CEO Patrick Delany said mental health support has never been so important and that Foxtel is happy to be able to provide assistance in this space.
“It is clear that a significant and growing number of Australians, particularly young people, need support with their mental wellbeing.
“With the coronavirus pandemic presenting additional mental wellbeing challenges for many Australians, raising awareness and support for in-person and online mental wellbeing initiatives and the fantastic organisations that deliver these services has never been more important.
“Foxtel is proud to be joining with three leading community organisations that are making a real difference to lives throughout Australia,” said Delany.
Raise founder and CEO Vicki Condon said: “Having a trained volunteer mentor to have a heart-to-heart conversation with every week for two school terms makes all the difference for young people who are at risk of disengagement or poor wellbeing. Foxtel’s generous support will help Raise recruit the volunteer mentors we need for thousands of young people as we grow to offer our program to every public secondary school in the country.”
Reach Out CEO Ashley de Silva said: “Reach Out is the most accessed online mental health service for young people and their parents in Australia, accessed by more than 2m people each year.
“Over the past four months, with COVID-19 restrictions in place, young people’s lives have been profoundly impacted by issues such as study stress, loneliness and concerns about work and money. We’ve seen a huge increase in demand with more than 275,000 additional people accessing support across Reach Out’s youth, parents and schools’ services.
“Reach Out is pleased to be working with Foxtel to support us in raising awareness with young people and their parents – it’s never been more important to let them know essential mental health support is available right now and can be accessed safely online.”
Katherine Newton, CEO, R U OK? said the relationship with Foxtel would help R U OK? educate and empower more Australians to navigate an R U OK? Conversation.
“We welcome the generous support of Foxtel, which will connect us with their valued subscribers to remind them of the importance of checking in with mates, family and colleagues.
“R U OK? speaks to the people around someone who is struggling with life. We provide resources and tips so that when they notice changes in someone’s mood, routine, appearance or behaviour, they have the knowledge and confidence to start a conversation that could change a life.”
Foxtel’s focus on supporting mental wellbeing awareness and fundraising began in May 2020 and it reports to have delivered more than $1m in airtime for Community Service Announcements produced by Raise, Reach Out and R U OK? since then. Foxtel’s initial commitment to supporting CSA’s and mental wellbeing programs runs through 2020 and 2021.
topics
Ashley de Silva
Foxtel
Katherine Newton
mental health
Patrick Delany
R U OK?
Raise Foundation
Reach Out
Vicki Condon
This is extremely ironic given the way they treat the mental health of their staff….
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2.5 million in support airtime. Oh please, hardworking underresourced support groups need cash and resources, not more unsold airtime, so Execs can claim another tax deduction.
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This left me with a cold sweat and sick to my stomach. Knowing the many many many people who have been so poorly treated within the toxic foul culture of Foxtel (and Newscorpse) including people who have suffered mental health issues as a result of their employment – it’s a joke. Talk about lipstick on a pig.
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