Mental health leaders are emphasising the need to create awareness in the community as instances of self-harm or suicide are being reported.

Daniel Strickland, chair of Goulburn District and Suicide Prevention Network, said that he receives monthly statistics on the number of suicides or such attempts that have taken place in the preceding month.

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"Fortunately, we have many months where there were no such cases," Mr Strickland said during the Goulburn Chamber of Commerce meeting on Wednesday.

Mr Strickland is also Mission Australia's area manager for Southern NSW and ACT, a part of Suicide Memorial Service that is held for those affected by the loss of their loved ones and Man Walk group that creates mental health awareness among men to name a few.

The losses faced by local businesses due to the pandemic have affected the mental health of business owners in the community as well.

In today's meeting, NSW Minister for Small Business Damien Tudehope said that there is significant funding available for mental health packages to support them as well.

Last month, it was announced that the Commonwealth and NSW governments will deliver a $17.35 million mental health support package for NSW. The details can be found here.

Talking about the pressure that small businesses feel at a time when they are struggling due to the pandemic, Mr Strickland said that people spend most of their time at work and tend to share about what is happening in their lives with business leaders and managers.

"At a time like this, when we are working from different locations and meeting each other virtually, we should notice signs and see if there is a change in their behaviour. Just message and ask them if they are okay and providing their support if they are doing it tough," he said.

If anyone is struggling with mental health issues, they can contact these support services on -