A new digital training programme designed to increase awareness and reduce suicide among sole traders and self-employed construction workers has launched ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September.
The prevention-focused training has been developed to address the challenges faced by this often hard-to-reach group of construction workers, many of whom are at increased risk of mental ill health and may be less likely to engage with traditional mental health interventions.
Nearly two-thirds of construction workers regularly experience stress and around half experience anxiety. Most concerningly, almost a third have experienced suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives. Construction workers are also among the occupational groups at greatest risk of suicide, with rates estimated to be 3.7 times higher than the national average.
In response to these challenges, Mates in Mind has partnered with the Baton of Hope to develop the new training programme. Mates in Mind is a partner of The Royal Foundation’s National Suicide Prevention Network, a four nations initiative launched to strengthen access, collaboration and innovation in suicide prevention. The project has been funded by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales.
Karen Hodgson, Associate Director at The Royal Foundation, said: “This initiative is an excellent example of how collaboration can drive meaningful change. We are proud to support two of the National Suicide Prevention Network partners as they work together to create and deliver this innovative training. Improving awareness and education around mental health and suicide prevention are important aims of the Network. This work will make a real difference to those working in such a critical sector.”
Research conducted by Mates in Mind found that self-employed construction workers and those working in small firms are experiencing severe levels of stress and anxiety caused by a combination of factors, including intense workloads, financial pressures, poor work-life balance and challenges relating to the supply of materials.
At the same time, evidence from the Department for Work and Pensions shows that only 21 per cent of SMEs provide training for line managers on improving employees’ health and wellbeing, compared with 76 per cent of large employers. Despite resource constraints, 79 per cent of SMEs that have introduced this type of training report that it is effective in preventing employee ill health.
Additional research from the SME Wellbeing Index found that cost is the primary barrier for one-third of small and medium-sized businesses seeking to provide wellbeing support, while a lack of internal resources and time presents challenges for many others.
The new training programme has been designed to overcome these barriers. It is free to access and available online, allowing workers to complete the modules wherever and whenever suits them, using a mobile phone, tablet or laptop.
Since 2017, Mates in Mind has advocated for a prevention-led approach to workplace mental health. The new training forms part of that ongoing commitment and comprises two modules covering suicide awareness and suicide prevention. Together, they form part of a wider package of interventions aimed at increasing mental health literacy, encouraging help-seeking behaviours and tackling the stigma associated with mental ill health.
The programme also supports the objectives outlined within the Construction Leadership Council’s Mental Health in Construction Joint Code of Practice and addresses risks highlighted under the Code’s Support Factors Hazard. Mates in Mind was a member of the project’s steering group.
Samantha Downie, Managing Director of Mates in Mind, said: “By training workers to recognise the signs of mental ill health, as well as when someone might be experiencing thoughts of suicide, in both themselves and those working around them, it will empower workers with the skills and confidence to start conversations and signpost support before someone reaches crisis point. This is at the heart of our charitable mission: supporting organisations, whatever their size, in higher-risk sectors to create environments and cultures that promote positive mental health because everyone matters.”
The training can be accessed free of charge through the Mates in Mind website at https://bit.ly/MinM-WSPD26.
Mike McCarthy, co-founder of the Baton of Hope, added: “The focus on physical safety over many years has brought about significant improvements and undoubtedly saved lives. This initiative aims to do the same for mental wellbeing and psychological safety. Workers will learn how to maintain their own mental fitness and how to recognise workmates who may be feeling suicidal. Many people are uncertain or afraid when it comes to helping others who may be going through emotional trauma. There should be no mystery about this. Learning how to deal with it might well save someone else’s life, or even your own.”