Running a small business can be immensely rewarding, but it often comes with unique challenges and pressures that can take a toll on mental health.

Recognising this, Beyond Blue offers a valuable resource for small business owners through its NewAccess for Small Business Owners program – a free and confidential mental health coaching service designed specifically to support those managing the complexities of small business life.

The program is tailored for small business owners who may be feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or struggling with their mental well-being. Developed by Beyond Blue, NewAccess offers practical, solution-focused coaching to help participants develop effective strategies to manage stress, improve resilience, and regain a sense of control.

The service is particularly beneficial for those facing:

• Financial stress.
• Business-related challenges..
• Difficulty balancing work and personal life.
• Feelings of burnout or being overwhelmed.

It is a six-session program delivered over the phone or via video call, making it accessible to small business owners across regional areas, including the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island. It’s designed to fit into the demanding schedules of business owners and is completely free of charge.

The program pairs participants with a qualified mental health coach who understands the unique challenges of small business ownership. Coaches provide support, practical tools, and an action plan tailored to individual needs. Importantly, no doctor’s referral or mental health diagnosis is required to access the program.

For many small business owners, mental health often takes a backseat amid the pressures of running a business. Recent studies have shown that small business operators are at higher risk of mental health issues due to financial strain, isolation, and the unpredictability of their work.

Programs like NewAccess provide a much-needed lifeline, offering support before problems escalate into more serious concerns.

Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman has emphasised the significance of such programs: “Small business owners are the backbone of our economy, but they’re often juggling enormous pressures. NewAccess provides the tools and support they need to navigate these challenges and look after their mental health.”

Small business owners interested in NewAccess for Small Business Owners can learn more and get started by visiting the program’s website: Beyond Blue - NewAccess for Small Business Owners.

With vibrant local economies driven by small businesses across the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island, this service is a crucial tool for ensuring the well-being of those who keep our communities thriving. Whether you’re running a café in Victor Harbor, managing a boutique on Kangaroo Island, or overseeing a family vineyard in McLaren Vale, NewAccess offers practical support tailored to your needs.