Pilots

Piloting for innovation

As part of our commitment to innovation, we fund organisations to pilot initiatives to test new tools, interventions and/or concepts. These innovations will address some of the key issues impacting return to work outcomes. We will evaluate pilots throughout their lifecycle to determine feasibility and impact, and ascertain potential for scaling.

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Pilot programs launched in 2025

Pilot 1 - Mental health support for workers in small and medium businesses

Before Blue – Worker Mental Health Coaching

Through this pilot, Beyond Blue provides free mental health coaching to workers employed by small and medium enterprises across Victoria.

• Up to eight free 1:1 sessions with a mental health coach. Includes an initial assessment, 5 treatment sessions and 2 follow-ups.
• Personalised and confidential.
• Evidence-based techniques.
• Build lasting resilience and coping skills.
• Interactive content for ongoing support.

The initial phase of this pilot was the Worker Mental Health Support Helpline, a counselling service delivered by TELUS Health to support workers from small and medium-sized businesses in Victoria. It ran from April 2025 to April 2026. The aim of this Employee Assistance Program was to improve the wellbeing of workers and prevent mental injuries. Eligible workers were able to access up to four sessions of free and confidential support.

Pilot 2 - AP Psychology & Consulting helping workplaces minimise mental injury hazards

Since September 1, 2025, the team at AP Psychology & Consulting has been helping small and medium-sized businesses to identify and manage psychosocial risks in their workplace. The Mentally Healthy Workplaces pilot also sees them providing tailored support to boost capability and create greater awareness of positive, healthy workplace behaviours, systems and processes.

This is the second Return to Work Innovations pilot funded in 2025, and targets priority industries across Victoria that have low maturity in managing workplace psychosocial risks. This service is free to small and medium-sized Victorian businesses that meet the eligibility criteria.  AP Psychology & Consulting is delivering this service in partnership with the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.