STOP The Killing – Do Something NOW To Cut The Suicide Rate

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On average, two construction workers take their own lives every working day. Mates in Mind is calling on companies to start the conversation about mental health and how to prevent the same number of 2020 UK suicides (6,221) ever being reached again.

Mates in Mind, along with many other organisations such as the Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme and the National Home Improvement Council, believes breaking the silence and stigma surrounding mental ill-health is a crucial step towards providing a safe and healthy workplace environment, which can play a vital role in suicide prevention.

Michelle Wiles, a patron of Mates in Mind says: “It’s important to reiterate that early intervention is key regarding reducing the suicide rate within construction. It’s vital that individuals who are struggling with their mental health feel they are able to talk about how they are feeling and seek support before reaching that crisis point.

In 2019, my husband Chris suffered a mental health crisis brought on by severe stress, which developed at rapid speed and led to him taking his own life. No one should go through what Chris went through, and no family should go through what we have. Chris never experienced any mental health illness previously so I can’t emphasise enough that if it can happen to him it can happen to anyone.”

Start the conversation

Education on how to spot the signs that someone could be suffering from poor mental health and having the confidence to ‘start the conversation’ is vital to breaking down the barriers that prevent individuals from reaching out to the available support, says Mates in Mind. The organisation aims to help everyone to understand their roles and responsibilities when it comes to mental wellbeing and importantly, their approach enables individuals to understand how, when and where they can get support.

Reach out

Wiles adds: “No one should be afraid to ask or tell someone that they are struggling. Please do know that you can talk and there is someone there that understands your struggles, reach out to a manager or someone you trust if you are struggling, you are not a failure, there is always a solution.

“Research suggests that open and honest communication about mental ill-health supports steps towards suicide prevention because these important conversations have the power to increase awareness and understanding, remind people they are not alone and help break the stigma which can be a barrier for those seeking help. In light of this, we are encouraging workplaces across the UK to use this opportunity to begin those vital discussions around mental health in an industry that is in need of change.

Sarah Meek, MD of Mates in Mind says: “Our experience in supporting over 650 organisations has shown us that the work we do can make a meaningful difference to the wellbeing of an organisation and its people. The recent World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September 2023) provided an opportunity for workplaces and sites across the country to get involved, look out for your mates and start a conversation which could in turn save a life.”

Prince William

Wednesday 13 September 2023 saw Prince William visit a construction site in west London to discuss the prevalence of suicide in the construction industry and highlight the crucial need to focus on prevention, rather than crisis management, when it comes to mental health support. The Prince’s visit came in the week of World Suicide Prevention Day and ahead of World Mental Health Day (10 October 2023).

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.

During the visit (to a Mace site) a roundtable, including members representing a wide variety of roles and perspectives from across the construction industry, shared their personal experiences and the impact mental health has on their personal and work lives, their family, friends and colleagues. The Prince heard from Mates in Mind about the expertise that it provides to empower employers and key stakeholders across the construction industry, including contractors, supply chains and policy makers, to bring the proactive change that is needed to improve mental wellbeing and the factors that contribute towards this in the sector.

Picture: Prince William at mental health and suicide prevention forum held on a Mace construction site.

www.matesinmind.org

Article written by Cathryn Ellis
22nd September 2023

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