Mental health coaching service (NewAccess workplaces)
Comcare has partnered with Beyond Blue to provide NewAccess workplaces to Australian Public Service (APS) agency partners since mid-2020.
Project update - final evaluation
Following the success of our 2018-19 NewAccess pilot trial, Comcare rolled out the program to 16 Australian Public Service agencies in 2020, which made the program available to up to 120,000 workers.
PricewaterhouseCoopers’ final evaluation of the program found a 72% recovery rate was achieved among participants. It also found 89% of workers were satisfied or very satisfied with the program and 89% said NewAccess exceeded or met their expectations.
The final evaluation highlights the effectiveness of NewAccess workplaces in supporting the needs of employees, particularly as an alternative option to other mental health and wellbeing offerings such as EAP services.
NewAccess workplaces is available to workers at participating agencies.
Find out more in the final evaluation findings summary (PDF, 246.0 KB)
Project overview
Background
In Australia, it is estimated that half the population will experience a mental illness in their lifetime. Yet, 65 per cent of affected people are still not receiving the evidence-based care they need and remain untreated.
The lack of evidence-based mental health care is costing workplaces nearly $A13 billion each year. This reflects the need to change the way workplaces are looking after the mental health and wellbeing of employees.
The NewAccess mental health coaching service, developed by Beyond Blue, represents an innovative model of care that focuses on prevention and early intervention of mild to moderate anxiety and/or depression. NewAccess is based on the United Kingdom (UK) Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) program.
Pilot trial
In 2018-19, Comcare led a six-month pilot trial with 50 employees across two APS agencies. NewAccess coaches worked alongside participants to develop a plan that involved using practical self-help tools and strategies to tackle day-to-day pressures, including work stress.
The purpose of the pilot trial was to determine how effective and appropriate the NewAccess service was in a workplace setting, and whether engagement with the service improved mental health, wellbeing, and productivity of participants.
PricewaterhouseCoopers’ evaluation of the pilot trial showed high participant recovery rates (78%), enhanced job satisfaction and productivity, and economic viability.
Extended trial
Following the successful pilot, Comcare initiated the NewAccess workplaces extended trial. This two-year national mental health initiative for APS agency partners started mid-2020.
Results from the final evaluation contribute to the growing evidence around effective workplace mental health prevention and early intervention supports.
Project participants
Project lead
Comcare is leading NewAccess workplaces, making the service available to employees within participating APS agency partner organisations.
Other organisations involved
- Beyond Blue
- PricewaterhouseCoopers
- The Richmond Fellowship of Queensland
- Participating APS agencies
Findings and reports
The NewAccess workplaces expansion trial has concluded. We thank all participating agency partners for their support and engagement. We are pleased to advise that NewAccess workplaces has now transitioned to Before Blue, a service that is available to all Australian Public Service Agencies. Please see Before Blue: Early intervention mental health support program for more information.
More information
See other mental health initiatives that Comcare is leading or a part of.
For more information on this project, please email mentalhealthprogram@comcare.gov.au
