Mental health charity launches 'community hub' to offer support for construction workers
Mates in Mind, which promotes mental wellbeing in construction, has launched a new Community Hub for those in the industry to share how they are tackling additional challenges during the Covid-19 outbreak.
Communities are essential in helping people to protect their mental health and wellbeing, and the new dedicated online hub will allow people to share best practice between businesses, personal tips and suggestions on how to take care, and to help one another.
The launch coincides with World Stress Awareness month, held every April to increase public awareness about both the causes and cures for modern stress.
And now, during the global coronavirus pandemic, the importance of being aware of our mental health and wellbeing is more important than ever.
Steve Hails, Tideway’s Director of Business Services and Health, Safety and Wellbeing (who also chairs the Board of Trustees at Mates in Mind) said: “The health, safety and wellbeing of our workforce, the construction industry and the wider public is our number one priority.
“So, while many of us will be taking extra precautions to work safely – from home in many cases – to protect our physical health, it’s equally important that we’re taking steps to look after our mental health.
“People will have different ways of coping, whether that’s developing routine, reaching out to friends, family and colleagues, keeping fit and eating well.
“But whatever works for you, it’s important that we’re aware of our mental wellbeing as well as that of others in our lives.”
Tideway has trained 167 people on the project to be mental health first-aiders, including CEO Andy Mitchell and the senior leadership team, giving them the skills and understanding to recognise if co-workers are struggling and how to offer support.
Mental health first-aiders working on London’s super sewer are also highlighting the importance of continued support for their colleagues and the wider construction industry, continuing with Tideway's "I'm in your corner" campaign.
With the vast majority of construction activity across Tideway paused due to the outbreak, many people across the project are continuing their work from home.
Highlighting the mental health resources available for the industry is key, with charities like Mates in Mind, as well as the Lighthouse Club, offering support.
Suicide is the leading cause of death in men under the age of 50, and construction has a higher suicide rate than any other industry.
Tideway has trained 167 people on the project to be mental health first-aiders, including CEO Andy Mitchell and the senior leadership team, giving them the skills and understanding to recognise if co-workers are struggling and how to offer support.
https://www.matesinmind.org/minm-community.html
https://www.stress.org.uk/national-stress-awareness-month-2019/