“The training has not only strengthened individual capabilities but also positively influenced our organisational culture as a whole.”
Founded in 2005, Easec provides expert occupational rehabilitation consultancy services, specialising in injury management guidance and advice. Their multidisciplinary team of allied health professionals and employment consultants works collaboratively to support individuals, organisations, and workplaces throughout Australia. Easec serves a diverse client base, including workers’ compensation insurers, Commonwealth and State Government agencies, veteran organisations, self-insured companies, and life insurers.
Easec first identified the need for Mental Health First Aid training as part of its commitment to supporting staff in navigating their clients complex and often sensitive mental health challenges. Given the nature of their work in workplace rehabilitation, staff regularly engage with individuals experiencing a wide range of complex physical and psychological conditions.
“We recognised that MHFA training would equip our consultants with additional tools and resources to confidently identify, respond to, and support individuals experiencing mental health issues. Our goal was to enhance the exceptional services we already deliver by ensuring our team is even better resourced in this critical area,” Lucinda De Coster, National Operations Manager said.
Easec chose to train their entire organisation, from support staff through to allied health professionals. “The MHFA training provided them with practical strategies, improved awareness, and a stronger framework for early intervention, ultimately enabling more holistic and effective outcomes for our clients,” Lucinda said.
Easec implemented the Standard MHFA Aid Blended Course for Community Settings, choosing it for its flexibility and comprehensive content.
“The training rollout took place over one week, with 70 staff trained across four different time zones. This was a significant logistical effort, but one we felt was critical to ensuring consistency and momentum across the organisation.
“A key to the success of this implementation was finding an instructor who understood the professional context our consultants work in, and who could adapt the delivery accordingly. The flexibility of the blended model also allowed participants to engage with the content in a way that fit their busy schedules.”
“As a direct result of the training, we have developed additional internal resources and protocols specifically addressing risk and welfare events, which complements the MHFA framework. These resources further support our consultants in applying their knowledge in real-world situations.”
MHFA training is now embedded as part of Easec’s onboarding process. “All incoming consultants, whether new graduates or experienced professionals, begin with a strong foundation in mental health awareness and response,” Lucinda said.
She said that the feedback from teams has been overwhelmingly positive. Their experienced consultants describe the course as a valuable refresher, reinforcing key strategies and updating their toolkit.
The benefit is even stronger for those whose entry into Easec marks the start of their careers. “New graduates describe the training as highly beneficial, giving them confidence and practical tools right from the start of their careers and for our amazing support staff the training outcomes have been especially encouraging,” Lucinda noted.
“They’ve reported boosted confidence when handling challenging or sensitive calls. The course provided them not only with the practical tools to better assess the urgency and nature of calls, but also with the communication techniques needed to respond with empathy and professionalism.
“The training has not only strengthened individual capabilities but also positively influenced our organisational culture as a whole.”
Brendan Conn, an Exercise Physiologist at Easec said the training was invaluable.
“As someone with a background in physical health, completing Mental Health First Aid training was an incredibly valuable experience. It gave me the knowledge and confidence to recognise the signs of mental health issues and respond appropriately.
“I now feel better equipped to support others through tough times, having learned practical strategies to start conversations and direct them to the right resources. It’s broadened my understanding of health and wellbeing, making me more holistic in how I approach care for others.”
MHFA training has made a meaningful difference by enhancing the team’s ability to respond to mental health concerns with greater confidence, consistency and compassion. “Overall, it has reinforced Easec’s culture of psychological safety and awareness, aligning closely with our mission to support functional independence and wellbeing across all areas of life,” Lucinda said.
