This May, as part of Mental Health Month, we are speaking even more than usual with colleagues and partners about the importance of discussing mental health openly, and helping each other where we can.
We are committed to raising the critical, but sometimes challenging, topic of mental health with everyone in our business, and are taking steps to embed processes firmly within our organisation as we grow in numbers.
We take the mental health of our teams and others we work alongside seriously, and want to create a healthy, supportive workplace, regardless of role or seniority.
With the latest figures suggesting that every working day two construction workers take their own life, it is clear that more needs to be done.
We have to educate everyone in our industry to recognise the signs and symptoms of our colleagues that are suffering from stress, anxiety or depression, and start the conversation early to assist in their recovery.
As a core part of our Health and Wellbeing policy, we have a number of representatives from Sweet Projects attending upcoming Mental Health Ambassadors course provided by Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity.
Already, we have several Ambassadors that have completed their two-day Mental Health First Aid training through Lighthouse, accredited by the MHFA, and are ready to provide support and advice across the business.
The training is a mix of live, in-person training sessions, with self-learning activities between sessions. The course gives an in-depth understanding of mental health, factors affecting wellbeing, as well as practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of mental health issues, and developing enhanced interpersonal skills, such as non-judgemental listening.
Our Ambassadors are here to help with a friendly chat and advice anytime.
It’s time to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. Let each other know support is out there, we can help each other cope.
If you would like to know more about mental health support in our industry, or accredited mental health first aider courses, please visit the Lighthouse website.
