It is well known that construction workers face unique challenges that can take a toll on their mental well-being. Long hours, tight deadlines and the physical demands of the job can lead to stress, anxiety and even depression. Sadly, suicide rates in the construction sector are alarmingly high. In fact, the industry has the highest suicide rates for men in the workplace. Something needs to change to address the reasons why this is the case and, as Diane Waldron explains here, a social enterprise based on chess could provide the answer.
5asideCHESS was set up as a social enterprise in 2015 by co-founders, Ross Smith and Ian McKay, in response to their concern about the levels of disconnection and inequality that they saw in society. The project has a huge mission: to create connection in order to tackle loneliness, social isolation and the mental ill health and depression that these issues can cause.
The 5asideCHESS Battling Suicide Bus has been on the road since 2018, visiting towns and cities all around the UK. The bus carries a simple but powerful message, #CHECKONYAMATE, urging people to check up on the people they care about. The bus is signed with more than 300 messages to loved ones lost to suicide – tangible evidence of the devastating ripples caused when someone takes their own life. So many of the messages people have written on the bus are along the theme of: ‘I just wish we had talked’ and yet talking is not that easy.
CN Mind Matters survey, which received 1,200 respondents within the construction industry, found that 59% of workers did not tell their employer when the time they needed off was for mental ill health. The majority said that they did not receive the appropriate level of support from their managers when they were facing mental health issues.
But here’s where the game changes. David Jones, Director of Education & Training at ICM and Head of Compliance and Competence at NAADUK, said: “5asideCHESS brings workers together, both on and off the construction site, through the simple act of playing a small game of chess. It creates an opportunity for meaningful conversations about mental health, breaking down the barriers that often prevent people from seeking help. Each move on the chessboard is an opportunity to connect with someone, to ask: “How are you doing?” or “Are you okay?” The game becomes a catalyst for open dialogue, allowing workers to support one another and share their experiences.”
The 5asideCHESS WingMAN programme, developed through the social enterprise’s work in UK prisons is now being rolled out into workplaces around the country following its success at tackling mental ill health amongst men in prison. Governor of HMP Chelmsford, Garry Newnes, said: “I believe if 5asideCHESS can break down barriers, resolve conflict and improve mental health in a prison setting, it can do it anywhere.”
5asideCHESS train WingMEN in the work place and give them the tools to provide support their colleagues by improving confidence, life skills, mental health and understanding. Importantly, they provide each trained WingMAN with 30 minutes of independent one-to-one coaching and support every month, which will be delivered remotely. This allows them to offload to someone outside of their own organisation as well as to develop their own skills.
David Jones again: “The 5asideCHESS WingMAN programme is transforming the landscape of mental health in the construction sector and within prisons. By creating safe spaces for conversation, offering support, and fostering resilience, we can make a difference. Remember, every move counts. Together, we can checkmate the stigma surrounding mental health and create a brighter future for those in the construction sector and beyond. Let’s continue this important conversation and work together to build a mentally healthy industry.”
If you would like to find out more about how the 5asideCHESS WingMAN programme could make a difference in your workplace, or if you are interested on finding out about how you could get the 5asideCHESS Battling Suicide Bus to you site, contact them at [email protected].