Wellbeing support for staff

This page is designed to enable Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) staff to view mental health and wellbeing resources anywhere any time. More information is available for staff on our Intranet. 

Peer Support

Staff Peer Support involves staff supporting colleagues who are experiencing challenges at work or in their personal life, particularly in times of stress. 

Peer Support Officers (PSOs) in the workplace perform the role as volunteers and are provided with training and support from the Peer Support Coordinator, Strategic Human Resources. 

Corrective Services NSW has over 100 PSOs across the agency and continue to train new volunteers. A full list of CSNSW Peer Support Officers is available internally for staff.

Employee Assistance Program

Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is delivered by Converge International. Staff can contact Converge directly if they are experiencing challenges that are negatively impacting their personal wellbeing or performance at work. 

Converge International are a team of psychologists and counsellors, highly trained and committed to provide all DCJ workers and immediate family confidential counselling, coaching and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to support you across all areas of your life be it, work or personal.

Converge can provide confidential advice, support, and information. Support is also available for family members. 

Call 1300 687 327. 

Chaplaincy

On the spot and confidential support during times of stress, illness, grief, relationship problems, and during critical incidents including suicide.

Email ChaplaincyCSNSW@dcj.nsw.gov.au

RAW Mind Coach

RAW Mind Coach (also known as Mindarma) is an evidence-based online training program designed to boost resilience and protect mental health. 

The program has been customised for CSNSW.

During the program participants develop a range of skills and practical strategies to help them deal with difficult thoughts, emotions and stress.

Stand T.A.L.R

Stand T.A.L.R is a mental health awareness program designed by and for correctional officers. The program focuses on the unique challenges and risks correctional staff face keeping the community safe.

Stand T.A.L.R is being rolled out across CSNSW to better support our staff and the challenging work they do. 

Developed by the Western Australian Prison Officer's Union (WAPOU) in response to the increasing levels of mental health issues amongst correctional staff. It focuses on reducing the stigma, and culture of silence associated correctional staff who may experience poor mental health at some time during their career. 

Alcohol tobacco and other drug counselling

Specialist Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs (ATOD) and generalist counselling support services are available for CSNSW staff.

The HR Advisor ATOD Counselling provides brief intervention and follow up ATOD Counselling to staff, refers to external providers where necessary. They also develop and deliver health promotion and resilience programs and training to improve health and wellbeing and ensure understanding and compliance with the Employee Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy.

For more information contact staffsupport@dcj.nsw.gov.au

Nutrition and healthy eating

Make Healthy Normal offers tips, tools and free programs that support healthy eating and active living for you and your family.

Make Healthy Normal is part of the NSW Government's NSW Healthy Eating and Active Living Strategy. We are committed to supporting healthy eating and active living in NSW and reducing the impact of lifestyle-related chronic disease.

Find out more about the free programs and tools and tips you can use to get on healthy eating and getting active.

Specialised training

Brush Farm Corrective Services Academy is a registered training organisation and run a range of courses specifically aimed at improving our employees' understanding of mental health and wellbeing and building skills to help the manage and support themselves and others.

Resilience a Mental Toughness Program

This program provides participants with the framework to not only effectively deal with adversities but to thrive in a constantly changing environment as well as everyday life situations.  It is a highly interactive workshop on applying the concepts from science-based positive psychology tools that build resilience and mental youghness.

Mental Health Awareness

This program is designed to increase a general understanding and awareness of mental health disorders, including symptoms and associated behaviour. Helpful interactions and strategies to support those experiencing mental illness will also be explored.

The workshop is highly interactive with group discussions and presentations, videos and practical exercises.  

Participants will gain the most from this training if they are open and committed to making a genuine difference to the psychological health of others.

Get healthy at work

Get Healthy at Work is an initiative designed to assist individuals and workplaces target and improve key health outcomes to create a healthier workplace. The program includes free health checks and a confidential phone based coaching service.

To find out more information about Get Healthy at Work services within CSNSW contact healthandwellbeing@dcj.nsw.gov.au

Fitness passport 

Fitness Passport is a corporate health and fitness program that provides you with access to a wide range of local health and fitness facilities. 

You can choose from over 200 gyms and pools across NSW and use as many facilities as often as you like.

By signing up you'll be inspired to start, or continue, your regular exercise at excellent value and with plenty of variety in the sessions.

Fitness Passport is also available to employee's immediate family members including partners and dependants up to the age of 18 living in the same household.

For more information contact info@fitnesspassport.com.au.