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GGF Supports Mates In Mind Mental Health Charity
The Glass & Glazing Federation has become a supporter of Mates in Mind, a leading charity that aims to raise awareness of and improve mental health...
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Suicide Prevention Research
A team from the Evolution construction firm are supporting research by a Lancaster University postgraduate student into how to prevent suicides in the UK construction industry.
JJ Fitzgerald, the MD of the firm, who is supporting and encouraging any member of the company who wants to take part in the research, says: “The construction industry knows only too well and all too often, the effect suicide has right across the community.
“We want to show our support and create an environment and a society where people feel safe to talk and seek help.
“By taking part in this research, we’re helping to shine a light on an issue that is too often kept in the dark. And we’re contributing to real, lasting change. We’re aiming to send a message that Evolution stands united in support of our colleagues, families and friends across the construction industry, in all workplaces, and throughout the wider community.”
Postgrad
Phoebe Savill, a trainee clinical psychologist and postgraduate researcher at Lancaster University, is researching experiences of suicidal thoughts in the industry. By backing Savill’s research, Evolution is hoping other construction businesses across the UK will follow suit.
Savill is looking to those who have had suicidal thoughts 12 months or more ago, who were working in the construction industry, to give up an hour of their time to talk with her as part of her research. She is researching those who did not go on to attempt to take their own life, so she can understand what support has been helpful at reducing the number of suicides. Similar research in Australia has resulted in a reduction in suicides in the construction industry.
Savill says: “I hope this research will add to understanding why these rates in the UK construction industry are so high and what support and changes within the industry could be helpful.”
28 per cent
Recent research from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), titled Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025, found that 28 per cent of respondents had experienced suicidal thoughts in the past year.
World Mental Health Day
Last month Evolution supported a Fylde Coast Responsible Business Network event to launch this year’s Baton of Hope UK tour which is a suicide awareness and prevention initiative founded by two bereaved dads. Evolution staff also took part in the tour in front of Blackpool Tower. The Baton of Hope reached its London finish line on Friday October 10 to coincide with World Mental Health Day.
Evolution workers also took part in a charity fundraising stunt in the Irish Sea to raise awareness of suicide.
The Big Puddle Jump was organised by Empowerment Charity ahead of the launch of the UK Baton of Hope tour in Blackpool on September 1.
Samantha Southern, Solace Suicide Prevention & Bereavement’s manager at the Blackpool based Empowerment Charity, says: “Each life lost to suicide sends ripples through families, friends and communities affecting an average of 135 people. Through the Big Puddle Jump, we aimed to create waves of hope, solidarity and change.”
Anyone in the construction industry who wants to find out more about taking part in Phoebe Savill’s research is asked to contact her at p.savill@lancaster.ac.uk
Picture: Evolution team members, along with family and friends took part in the launch of this year’s UK Baton of Hope tour in Blackpool on September 1.
Article written by Cathryn Ellis
16th October 2025