A new suicide prevention training programme designed specifically for the Scottish construction industry has been launched with the support of £239,000 in funding from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).
Developed in partnership by Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Scotland and Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH), the Suicide Prevention in Construction Training programme aims to address the disproportionate impact of suicide within the sector, where workers are four times more likely to die by suicide than those in other professions.
Funded through CITB’s Industry Impact Fund (IIF), the initiative equips individuals and organisations with practical, role‑specific tools to help identify early warning signs of mental health distress and to provide appropriate, supportive intervention. Feedback during development has been highly positive, with an average participant satisfaction score of 96%, reflecting the programme’s relevance and quality.
The training has been created in response to the unique pressures faced by construction workers and focuses on breaking stigma, encouraging open conversations and building confidence to support colleagues who may be struggling. It also provides clear pathways to further support and post‑incident care.
Key areas of focus include:
- Challenging stigma around mental health
- Helping workers recognise warning signs
- Building confidence to hold safe, supportive conversations
- Offering clear routes to professional support and aftercare
Delivered through SAMH’s established training platform, the programme is available to both individuals and organisations across Scotland. It will initially be piloted within Barratt Homes before expanding to other CITB‑registered employers, with the long‑term goal of scaling across the wider UK construction industry.
The training was officially launched at the CITB Conference in Perth in Autumn 2025, providing an important opportunity to introduce the programme to industry leaders and employers. Rollout will continue over a two‑year period as part of a wider effort to improve mental health awareness and wellbeing across construction.
Vanessa Freeman, Head of Grant & Funding Products at CITB, said: “We’re proud to support such an important initiative for the construction industry. This programme will play a vital role in tackling mental health challenges across the sector.
“Stigma remains a major barrier, and too many people still feel unable to talk about how they’re feeling. Suicide prevention isn’t just a wellbeing issue – it’s an industry responsibility.”
Kevin Urquhart, Construction Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes, added: “Everyone involved believes this is a crucial step towards breaking down long‑standing stigma across the industry.
“Without the funding and support of CITB, this project simply wouldn’t have happened. From day one, we’ve said that if this training saves even one life, it’s worth it. You can’t put a price on someone’s life – and together, we’re committed to changing the industry for the better.”
CITB continues to champion improved access to mental health support within construction. In 2025, the organisation partnered with NHS Wales Suicide Prevention and Self Harm Programme to deliver a nationwide awareness campaign across Welsh construction sites.
Launched in April 2023, CITB’s Industry Impact Fund enables employers to design and deliver training solutions that address sector‑specific challenges and generate long‑term, sustainable impact.
For more information about the Industry Impact Fund and how to apply, visit the CITB website.