ACRRM is committed to fostering workplace cultures which value and support diversity, respect, inclusiveness, fairness and transparency, as well as the wellbeing of its members and staff as detailed in the ACRRM Respectful Workplaces Framework.

Championing the Framework is a key part of the role of our inaugural wellbeing coordinator, Paul Townsley. 

Paul  brings more than 25 years’ experience across a range of professional areas including disability services, child protection services, brain injury rehabilitation, addiction counselling and onsite trauma and critical incident response. Paul has BSc degrees in Social Work and Psychology and higher degree qualifications in Child Forensic studies, Psychology and Law and is a registered AASW Social Worker. Paul has extensive practitioner experience, recently completing certified clinical trauma training. He is Mental Health First Aid train the trainer accredited.  Paul is excited to have the opportunity to create a holistic wellbeing model that responds to the presenting needs and ongoing wellbeing of members, Fellows and staff nationally. 

"By removing mental health stigma and creating a no wrong door approach I hope to work with like-minded people for the benefit of a valuable profession.”

ACRRM is currently reviewing and developing its wellbeing model in consultation with the Respectful Workplaces Committee, are developing a range of supports that will strengthen our capacity to deliver holistic support in the following areas: 

  • Identify and develop a range of wellbeing partners, building on existing relationships and resources
  • Champion the Respectful Workplaces Framework
  • Establish a national wellbeing peer support service
  • Provide mental health first-aid and well-being education
  • Develop a range of accessible education and wellbeing resources
  • Develop and guide the internal education of ACRRM staff to support the wellbeing of Registrars and their Supervisors
  • Assessment of need and referral to appropriate services for registrars, members and ACRRM staff
  • Confidential holistic Pastoral, coaching and mentoring support to address issues of a personal or professional nature

ACRRM encourages all members to not lose sight of what they love about their job, and at the same time, to take regular steps to maintain their own mental wellbeing and general health. Proactive self-care is good medical practice, as is being mindful of the needs of colleagues. Practitioner health and wellbeing is an integral component of a safe and respectful workplace. We also ask our members to check on their colleagues and friends who may be under stress.

The College provides 24/7 Wellbeing Support through its Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Members experiencing workplace, training, exam, or other stresses or issues impacting personal wellbeing can call ACRRM’s EAP line, which provides free of charge immediate, confidential counselling and support on 1800 818 728.

For further information on the range of services and supports available, please contact Wellbeing@acrrm.org.au