Beth Tobin knows she’s OK.

An Exercise Physiologist at the Uniting AgeWell Community Hub in Berwick speaks from experience when she says how easy it is not to be OK.  She has lived experience of knowing how pain and being unhappy in your job can cloud your mind.

R U OK? Day on 11 September is a National Day of Action and an opportunity to shine a spotlight on mental wellbeing.  Uniting AgeWell is also encouraging all its staff to ask “R U OK?”  any day of the year because a conversation like this can change a life.

Uniting AgeWell recognises the need to keep talking about mental health with the customers it supports and staff, and offers help to improve mental wellbeing. Health, Safety & Wellbeing Business Director Sarah Thompson says, “It is essential that we are mindful of the importance of checking in on ourselves and others every day.  Every day is RU OK Day.”

Acknowledging that she wasn’t OK changed Beth’s life.  Before joining Uniting AgeWell over two years ago, Beth worked in an office job doing admin work for 15 years and ended up with a bulging disc in her lower back, a tennis elbow and migraines.

“I was sore, bored and miserable, but it wasn’t until all this started to affect my mental health that I realised I needed to change careers and do something I was passionate about,” explains Beth.

So, she did.  She obtained a certificate in Massage Therapy and went on to get a Bachelor of Health Science in Musculoskeletal Therapy which qualified her to be a myotherapist.  Next, she studied a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science degree followed by her Masters in Clinical Exercise Physiology.

Beth practised on her own before joining Uniting AgeWell and has never looked back.  She was based at the Oakleigh AgeWell Centre before taking up her current role at the new Community Hub in Burwood.

She enjoys her work and says the team is very supportive and friendly.  “It gives me great joy to see clients improve, to watch as they regain movement, confidence and of course wellbeing,” Beth says.  “It’s hugely rewarding to know I am making a difference in their lives.”

Beth is grateful to Uniting AgeWell for providing such a supportive work environment.  She is happy to talk about her journey with anxiety and depression, and more recently an autism diagnosis, if sharing her experience will help others.

“If I can help even one other person through my story, then I’m grateful,” she says. (Thank you, Beth, you have a big heart!)

She is also grateful for the unwavering support she has received. “I wish every workplace out there was as supportive of its employee as Uniting AgeWell is of me,” she says. “The work culture is great.  I work part time and it’s wonderful to know the organisation is in my corner. They champion and nurture me at the same time.”

Uniting AgeWell is committed to the personal and professional wellbeing of its employees. As part of this commitment, we offer access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). EAP provides confidential, professional counselling for employees and immediate family members for work and personal issues.

If this story raises concerns for you please reach out to other resources like:

• Beyond Blue: 24/7 Support for Anxiety, Depression and Suicide Prevention. – Beyond Blue 
• Black Dog: Black Dog Institute | Better Mental Health | Science. Compassion. Action. 
• Domestic and Family Violence Support: Domestic and Family Violence Support , Domestic and family Violence support and assistance is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week at 1800 Respect (1800 737 732).  This is a free of change and confidential support service.