Prince William visited a construction site in west London this week and met with Tideway CEO Andy Mitchell and ‪Business Services & Health, Safety and Wellbeing Director Steve Hails.

The visit with charity Mates in Mind came during the week of World Suicide Prevention Day, with His Royal Highness visiting site to discuss the prevalence of suicide in the construction industry, and highlighting the crucial need to focus on prevention, rather than crisis management, when it comes to mental health support.

The Prince heard from Mates in Mind about the expertise that they provide to empower employers and key stakeholders across the construction industry, including contractors, supply chains and policy makers.

Prince William has been committed to supporting men’s mental health and suicide prevention for many years. Through his work, His Royal Highness has aimed to highlight and champion the importance of tackling this vital issue, which is the largest cause of death for men under the age of 35.

Workers in construction are at some of the highest risk of suicide in the country, with rates in the industry nearly four times higher than the national average.

Tideway is a key supporter of Mates in Mind, while Tideway’s Steve Hails chairs the charity’s trustee board. CEO Andy Mitchell chaired a panel discussion at the event. 

Photos: Anthony Charlton, In-Press Photography Ltd.