CHRISTIAN Faulkner wants more people living with a mental illness to be given a chance to work.
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The Launceston man started work as a kitchen hand at Cataract on Paterson in July, but it was no easy feat.
He was diagnosed with a mental illness at a young age, and despite working as a kitchen hand in restaurants in Victoria and working in vineyards, he said he found it hard to get jobs because of the stigma attached to mental illness.
A new report, which will be released by WISE Employment on Tuesday, reveals that only 26 per cent of employers would consider hiring someone who has a mental illness diagnosis.
The report surveyed 256 small and medium enterprises across the country.
Employers said the main reasons they would overlook job seekers diagnosed with a mental illness was because of perceived unpredictable and changeable behaviour, the possibility of breakdown and too many sick days.
Mr Faulkner said people needed to be given opportunities as he had by his employer.
‘‘They shouldn’t be stigmatised because they have a mental illness,’’ he said. ‘‘They need to get in and have a go.’’
Cataract on Paterson owner Karen Burbury said she tried to support mental illness in any way she could and her kitchen walls were filled with positive affirmations.
‘‘Everyone is affected by mental illness at some stage and the stigma that is attached to mental illness is disgusting,’’ she said.
Statistics show that one in five Australians are affected by mental illness every year and almost half the population will be affected in their life.
‘‘Mental illness is now fully manageable by medication and I’m so proud of Chris because he’s aware of his mental illness and he knows how to deal with it,’’ Ms Burbury said.
Mr Faulkner was ‘‘the gun in the kitchen’’ and he would sing songs to relieve everyone’s stress.
Mental Health Week begins today and is about raising awareness of mental health issues.
If you need help or counselling, contact Lifeline on 131114, SANE Australia Helpline 1800 18 7263, Kids Helpline 1800551800, MensLine Australia 1300789978, beyondblue 1300224636 or the StandBy Response Service 24-hour number on 0408133884.
