“Ongoing leadership and hands-on support” are vital to support workers with mental health problems, according to Mates in Mind.
The charity works to raise awareness of and address the stigma surrounding poor mental health in the UK construction industry – which it says is particularly susceptible, as the industry is male-dominated and suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK.
It welcomes the new online portal launched by mental health charity Mind, offering training and support to managers and staff.
Mates in Mind emphasises the importance of a better understanding of mental health in the workplace, and says that the culture needs to change so that staff are better supported and managers can recognise when someone might be struggling.
The charity offers resources and support to construction firms to help them understand what wellbeing means to employees and the changes they can make to improve it.
Chairman Steve Hails said: “Mental ill-health has been on everyone’s agenda, but in our industry, which is, despite our endeavours, male dominated, we are more susceptible than most.
“Thankfully, things are starting to change, but we still have some way to go.
“Putting the right kind of support in place was the start of the conversation for us, and for many others. Importantly this needs to happen across all levels of the business, and leadership is key.”
