In response to the growing mental health crisis in construction, we’ve added the Mates in Mind logo across our temporary works equipment and sites, as part of our commitment to increasing the visibility of mental health help and support.
Supporting positive mental health and wellbeing across our teams is really important to us. By partnering with Mates in Mind and making use of the resources they provide, we’re working to create a culture where our colleagues feel comfortable talking openly about their mental health and wellbeing.
By displaying the Mates in Mind logo across our groundworks kit, equipment and sites, we hope to help challenge the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage conversations that can make a real difference.
Mates in Mind is a UK charity providing resources to employers across a range of industries, including construction and logistics. Its work focuses on raising awareness of mental ill-health, improving understanding, addressing stigma and providing programmes and effective interventions, under the message ‘Be a Mate, Be the Change’.
Heath McHugh, Head of SHEQ, said: “As an industry, construction is faced with a very real mental health crisis, with 91% of construction workers reportedly feeling overwhelmed by their mental health struggles and, shockingly, two construction workers in the UK dying by suicide each day.
“As an employer, we are working hard to create a culture where colleagues feel supported and able to talk openly about their mental wellbeing, such as through our network of Mental Health First Aiders across the business.
“By partnering with Mates in Mind and displaying their logo across our sites and equipment, we hope to increase the visibility of mental health support and remind everyone that a conversation can make a real difference.”
With 26% of construction workers admitting to having suicidal thoughts, it’s critical that the wellbeing crisis affecting our industry is taken seriously and that people know support is available.
