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Over the past 12 months, Full Circle has been working hard to share free and cost accessible mental health services support for employees and small business owners.
As part of that commitment, we’ve heard just how helpful the Victorian Government funded Worker Mental Health Support Service has been for many of our members and clients.
While previously delivered by TELUS Health as part of the Return to Work Victoria initiative, from 28 April 2026, this service has transitioned to be delivered by Beyond Blue including a new proactive mental health program – ‘Before Blue’.
Importantly, this means that invaluable, free and confidential mental health support continues to be available for Victorian workers, sole traders, and small business owners.
If your organisation has previously shared or promoted the TELUS Health support service with employees, now is a good time to update any existing wellbeing resources, posters, induction materials, policies, or internal communications to reflect the Before Blue Program and wider Beyond Blue support information. We’ve detailed these various service offerings here for you below;
Support Available Through Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue now provides three key mental health support pathways for Victorian workers and small business:
- 24/7 immediate mental health support available to all Australians
- Before Blue for Workers – a structured early intervention coaching program for workers
- NewAccess for Small Business Owners – a structured coaching program for sole traders and small business owners
Importantly, these services are designed to provide accessible, early intervention and short term support. They are not intended to replace ongoing medical or psychological care where more substantial support may be required.
Where individuals require ongoing or higher level mental health support, they are encouraged to consult with their GP, psychologist, or treating medical professional regarding appropriate care options, including Mental Health Care Plans where appropriate.
Immediate Mental Health Support
Free and confidential support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Services include:
- Immediate phone support
- Online chat support
- Mental health information and resources
- Guidance and referrals to additional services where appropriate
This support may assist individuals experiencing:
- Stress or overwhelm
- Burnout or fatigue
- Workplace pressures
- Personal or family challenges
- Anxiety or difficult situations
Importantly, support can relate to both work and non-work-related concerns and no GP referral is required.
Phone: 1300 224 636
Website: Beyond Blue
Before Blue for Workers
Before Blue for Workers is a free early intervention coaching program designed specifically for Victorian workers experiencing stress, overwhelm, burnout, or workplace pressures.
The program includes:
- Up to 8 confidential coaching sessions
- Phone or video appointments
- Practical coping strategies and goal-focused support
- Support from the same dedicated coach throughout the program
Before Blue is designed as a short term, non-clinical support service aimed at helping workers access support early, before challenges escalate.
No GP referral is required. Further information is available via Before Blue for Workers.
New Access for Small Business Owners
Beyond Blue also continues to offer the NewAccess for Small Business Owners Program.
This is a free coaching program specifically designed for:
- Sole traders
- Small business owners
- Businesses with up to 20 employees
The program includes:
- An initial assessment session
- 5 structured mental health coaching sessions
- Phone or video-based appointments
- Practical support strategies for stress, overwhelm and business-related pressures
No GP referral is required. Further information is available via NewAccess for Small Business Owners
Why Supporting Your People Matters
Providing employees with clear and accessible support pathways can:
- Encourage early help seeking
- Support workers before challenges escalate
- Promote healthier workplace conversations
- Demonstrate a proactive approach to employee wellbeing
For employers, providing access to appropriate support pathways also forms part of creating a psychologically safe workplace and supporting broader psychosocial health and safety obligations under workplace health and safety legislation.
Importantly, Beyond Blue support services remain confidential and employers are not notified if an employee accesses support.
Your Next Step
If your organisation has previously shared TELUS Health information, consider:
- Updating any relevant wellbeing and induction materials
- Reviewing your current wellbeing and support resources
- Sharing updated support pathways with staff
- Encouraging early help seeking in the workplace
At Full Circle HR, we know supporting people well is not always straightforward, particularly within small and regional businesses where time, resources, and internal support options can sometimes feel limited.
If your organisation would like support reviewing workplace wellbeing initiatives, navigating psychosocial risk management obligations, or understanding practical ways to better support your team, the Full Circle HR team is here to help.
Contact us at hello@fullcirclehr.com.au
Need Immediate Support?
If you or someone you know requires immediate assistance or is in crisis, contact:
- 000 in an emergency
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636