This year, World Mental Health Day organisers announced that its 2024 theme would focus on mental health in the workplace.
While the construction industry has made progress in recent years in its approach to mental health, it remains a prevalent issue in need of urgent address.
Mates in Mind, a mental health charity focused on the construction industry, found in their latest annual report that stress, depression or anxiety accounted for 49% of work-related ill-health, and that one-third of construction workers live with severe levels of anxiety.
Below, we’ve highlighted the different ways the sector supported World Mental Health Day and shared some of the available resources.
The first Mad Construction Mental Health Summit
Teaming up with Mates in Mind, Make A Difference (MAD) hosted its inaugural World Construction Summit in London.
The event — Building Better Mental Health and Wellbeing Across Construction’s Workforces — welcomed key figures from across the construction industry to share insights, expertise and advice on protecting the wellbeing of those working in the sector.
Jet Plant Hire’s World Mental Health Day video
Jet Plant Hire, a leading organisation in the UK highways and construction sector, released a new video raising awareness of mental health.
The video featured team members from across the business, emphasising the importance of talking and for construction businesses to provide genuine support for their workforce.
You can watch the video here.
Get Construction Talking breakfast
Get Construction Talking is a global initiative founded by The B1M and Procore dedicated to tackling the stigma surrounding mental health in construction.
The group hosted a special breakfast event in London during which an expert panel discussed what more can be done to make a difference and improve mental health across the AEC industry.
Local contractor helps to promote Samaritans helpline
In Belfast, a local contractor installed signage in high-traffic areas to promote the Samaritans helpline. The signs were put up in places where construction work was being carried out, encouraging anyone experiencing mental health issues to reach out to the charity.
What support is on offer?
For those working in the industry who are seeking support, there are several organisations you can reach out to.
The Lighthouse Construction Charity offers a 24/7 helpline as well as its Lighthouse Beacons initiative, which are safe spaces where anyone can connect and talk to others facing similar problems.
Mates in Mind offers a ‘BeAMate’ text support service, with trained volunteers on hand to help with issues including anxiety, stress, loneliness or depression.
Mind and Samaritans also both offer confidential support via both phone and email.