In April 2019 utilities contractor, Falco Construction, became an official supporter of Mates in Mind, the registered charity that provides a framework to raise awareness, address the stigma of poor mental health and improve positive mental wellbeing in the UK construction industry…
According to a survey of 3,400 construction workers by Randstad*, 34% of respondents have experienced a mental health condition in the past year. Furthermore, two-thirds said they did not feel there are sufficient outlets to discuss mental health conditions. We recognise that the stigma often associated with poor mental health can often be perceived as difficult as the experience itself. Even though many of us will experience stress, depression or anxiety at some point in our lives, we may often be afraid to talk about it or to seek help and support.
“As a supporter of Mates in Mind, we want to demonstrate our commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of our workforce,” said Support Services Director, Alan Seyfi, “Mates in Mind helps us take an important step towards breaking the silence and stigma that can surround mental wellbeing in society and in particular, in the construction industry. We are joining numerous other construction companies in Supporting Mates in Mind, helping to improve the mental health and well-being of our people.”
As part of its three-year membership, the charity will provide training to create an additional three mental health first aiders by the end of 2019 in addition to the two already in situ at Falco as well as tool box talks and assistance preparing metal health policies and documentation of the company’ occupation health & safety management system. The first aiders will be responsible for rolling out a programme of training and awareness throughout Falco’s 80-strong field and office-based staff.
In June Falco organised a corporate event at Chelmsford Racecourse which raised over £2000 for the charity.
Mates in Mind was established by the Health in Construction Leadership Group (HCLG) with the support of the British Safety Council in 2016. It is being delivered to the UK construction industry in support of the Health in Construction Leadership Group and in partnership with various industry and mental health charities.