HEALTH & WELLBEING : MATES IN MIND
“ My personal hope is that mental health and addressing ill health becomes business as usual and the stigma that is associated with ill health becomes a thing of the past .”
Mental Health First Aiders to increase to one in ten of our people . That may sound like a lot , but it ’ s a crucial step in tackling this issue . It ’ s easy to spot someone coming into the office on crutches and arrange some help , but it takes more awareness to pick up on the often-subtle signs of declining mental health .”
Mike Robinson , Chief Executive , British Safety Council said :
“ The British Safety Council ’ s vision is that no-one should be injured or made ill at work . As we have come to recognise , there is no health without mental health . The construction industry ’ s championing of Mates in Mind sends a strong message about the role workplaces can play in supporting workers ’ mental wellbeing and helps to demonstrate their commitment to leading the way in managing this important issue , both to their staff and society more broadly . I am delighted that the British Safety Council is able to play its part in helping the industry to drive this forward .”
In addition , Katrina heard from the Executive Director of Mates in Mind , as well as Pilot Phase Partner Organisation and Business Champion - Tideway .
Joscelyne Shaw , Executive Director of Mates in Mind said : “ Mates in Mind is seeking to support construction companies in raising awareness , addressing the stigma and improving positive mental wellbeing across their sector . Many of the themes affecting construction workers ’ wellbeing are similar - many cannot be addressed with quick fixes , but most can be made easier through recognition and support with achievable and realistic changes to the ways in which businesses work .
“ Since beginning our roll out to the industry after the pilot phase earlier this year , the level of interest we have received from many construction organisations is very encouraging . By working together , which is offered through our flexible and joined-up approach , we believe we will be able to make a significant difference to the industry ; the people working in it as well as those touched by it .”
Steve Hails , Chair of Mates in Mind Board and Director of Health , Safety and Wellbeing at Tideway , said :
“ The recent ONS report indicates that the construction industry has a suicide rate 3.7 times higher than any other industry in Great Britain . The extent of the instances of mental ill health is exacerbated by the contributing factors for those working in construction . Workers then generally follow the work and then spend prolonged periods separated from the family causing potential relationship difficulties . Long shift patterns , poor accommodation ( particularly when working in London due to rental costs ), longer commutes ( to counter the large costs of living in central London ) and poor diets all contribute to increased fatigue . Not all construction projects are like Tideway and insist upon the London Living Wage , so financial worries married with uncertainty over future prospects can add to the growing list of contributing factors .
“ That ’ s why Tideway , as a client member of the Health in Construction Leadership Group , was keen to address the issue of mental ill health and welcomed the creation of the Mates in Mind charity , of which I am Chair of the Board of Trustees . Whilst some organisations have already started on their journey , the vast majority have not . Mates in Mind offers a structured approach , recognised by HCLG , to provide education , training and support for employees and employers . Tideway were one of five supporting organisations involved in the early pilot phase to help shape the programme . We are delighted to see the charity
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HSE INTERNATIONAL