This week marks Mental Health Awareness Week (13-19 May), and we want to acknowledge that by reaffirming our commitment to supporting mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.
This year’s theme, created by the Mental Health Foundation, is ‘Movement: moving more for our mental health’. Taking breaks, getting outside for walks and making exercise a priority are just some of the ways in which we can help to boost our wellbeing and support both our physical and mental health.
It’s never been more important to address mental health issues in our industry. The British Safety Council labelled poor mental health in construction as the ‘silent epidemic’, with suicide rates among men in the sector increasing in recent years.*
The industry has come a long way in introducing support for its workers, for example there has been the introduction of Mates in Mind, but more needs to be done in every individual construction company to address these issues and support their colleagues from the ground level up.
Supporting our employees’ mental health is a priority at GMG. Construction is a rewarding, yet high-pressure industry to work in, so we want to ensure all members of staff feel they can talk to us about any issues they face, both professionally and personally.
That is why in 2022 we introduced our GMG Listeners programme. Two members of our staff, Elis Cappie and Daniel McGinn, volunteered to take up the new roles as our first ever GMG Listeners. For this, they qualified as Mental Health First Aiders, undertaking mental health training that focused on addressing sensitive subjects with care, reducing the stigma around mental health, spotting signs of depression and more.
Our Listeners are there for all members of our staff and have an open-door policy. If you feel you need support or just someone to talk to about either professional or personal matters, please reach out to your Listeners. Together, we can beat the stigma and build a positive relationship with mental health in the construction industry.
