A new programme providing Southern Lakes business owners with access to free confidential counselling or coaching support was launched yesterday (Wednesday May 5).

Take Stock will provide business owners with the opportunity to share the stress of running their business with a trained professional.  

The service is being promoted by the Business Response Group (BRG), a collaboration between Ignite Wanaka, Lake Wānaka Tourism, Queenstown Chamber of Commerce, Destination Queenstown and the economic development team within Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC).

Ignite Wanaka executive officer Naomi Lindsay said support for the district’s small and medium business owners would build resilience and health, key factors for community success.

“Accessing appropriate support and advice from professional counsellors will help owners be the best they can be, enabling them to continue to thrive, support themselves and their teams during the recovery journey ahead,” she said.

Benestar is providing a range of fully-funded support services. IMAGE: Supplied

“The Take Stock programme will assist more than 90 small and medium enterprises and includes five dedicated webinars run over the next six months. It is another way to help create conversations amongst our business owners and their staff about the importance of wellbeing and resilience.”

Take Stock, which will be provided by Benestar (a provider of health and wellbeing services) and coordinated by the QLDC economic development team, offers a range of ways business owners can receive support including phone based, face-to-face, digital or live chat contact.

A series of webinars will be offered to all owners, employees and family members of businesses within the Queenstown Lakes District, run once a month for the duration of the programme. Topics will include mental health and wellbeing at work; dealing with high stress customer behaviour; and managing your optimism, resilience, and wellbeing.

Owners of small businesses play a key role in supporting the wellbeing of their staff, Naomi said, adding that they not only carry the burden of responsibility for their livelihood but for other members of their local community.

Benestar general manager Julie Cressey said she was pleased to be working with the Southern Lakes Business Response Group, as the team had acknowledged not just the financial impact of Covid-19 on the region, but most importantly, the human impact.

“We applaud the Southern Lakes BRG for taking a proactive, human response to the impacts of COVID-19 on the district.”