“We needed a universal approach” – Kevin Figueiredo on the impact of I Am Here in Australia’s workplaces

Kevin Figueiredo’s work with I Am Here has had a profound impact on thousands of Australian lives.

Kevin was overseeing Health and Safety at the Woolworths Group when the company’s CEO suggested they join with I Am Here, with a view to improving the mental health and wellbeing of Team Members across the organization.

It quickly dawned on Kevin that traditional corporate tools to improve wellbeing – gym memberships, physical fitness classes, even nutrition seminars – were not quite meeting the needs of the company’s employees.

These ‘segmented solutions’ – while perfectly suited to some – were not always reaching those who needed help the most.

“Mental health and wellbeing is a human issue and it impacts everybody,” he tells I Am Here’s Emma Wilson.

“We couldn’t have 20 different mental health efforts in Woolworths. In fact, it doesn’t suit any organization. We needed something that could be applied universally.”

Kevin has since gone on to join Super Retail Group as General Manager of Risk and Safety.

He has introduced I Am Here at Super Retail Group too.

The evidence-based approach focuses on three core tenets: Show you care, Ask the Question, and Call for help for a fellow Team Member who may be going through a tough time.

Kevin highlights how it is now a key movement in workplaces across Australia, New Zealand, and the rest of the world.

“I Am Here is not about saving lives; that’s not what it’s designed to do. What it’s designed to do is create compassionate connections, signpost people to the help they may need, and bring their full potential out.”

Watch our interview with Kevin here…