Mental health is equally important as physical health!
In the construction industry there is huge pressure, from tight contracts, long hours, working to time and to budget, and since the pandemic managing increasing supply costs.
This is all taking its toll on the industry where over 700 people working in construction die from suicide every year; 48% have taken time off due to unmanageable stress; 44% worry their workload is too high and a third suffer with increased anxiety levels every day.
Even before the pandemic took hold, it was estimated that mental health issues cost UK employers up to £45 billion a year.
Tackling the issue before it becomes a problem is key but small organisations have limited money and resources and need to rely heavily on the vast supply of materials and support out there to educate and signpost their staff to appropriate professional help.
In the past ‘safety’ programmes and ‘wellbeing’ programmes were kept apart from each other and managed separately and quite differently but nowadays health, safety and wellbeing is managed in an integrated, joined up way which ultimately leads to a safer, happier, and healthier workforce and delivers improved operating and financial outcomes for organisations.
Talking is the key to unlocking the stigma around poor mental health and the HSE has partnered with the leading UK charity Mates in Mind to raise awareness and work with organisations across the construction industry to educate and point people to the right professional help which will eventually drive positive change across the industry.
The partnership has resulted in the Working Minds campaign which brings together a range of tools and support to help businesses and workers understand the best ways to prevent work related stress and encourage good mental health.
Below is a list of organisations that can help you, or someone else, to find the right support.
1. Mates in Mind
Tel: 0203 5105018
2. The HSE and Construction Industry Helpline
Managed and funded by the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity
Tel: 0345 605 1956
https://www.constructionindustryhelpline.com/
3. Mind Infoline
Telephone: 0300 123 3393 9-5pm Mon-Fri
Email: info@mind.org.uk
Text:86463
www.mind.org.uk/help/advice_lines
4. Rethink Mental Illness Advice line
Telephone: 0300 5000 927 9.30-4p Mon-Fri
Emil: info@rethink.org
www.rethink.org/about-us/our-mental-health-advice
5. Elefriends
Elefriends is a supportive online community run by Mind where you can be yourself.
6. Samaritans
Telephone: 116 123 - 24 hours per day, free to call
Email:jo@samaritans.org
7. SANEline
Telephone: 0300 304 7000 between 4.30-10.30 pm everyday
www.sane.org.uk/what_we_do/support/helpline
A national out-of-hours helpline offering emotional support, guidance and information to anyone affected by mental health problems, including family, friends and carers.
