The UK construction sector's efforts to improve the health and mental well-being of its workforce are stepped up as it welcomes the full roll out of the Mates in Mind initiative.

Mates in Mind has led in the creation of a flexible and joined up approach that is tailored to the needs of individual construction companies as they seek to tackle poor mental health, whilst also nurturing positive mental well-being amongst their workforce.

The programme is being delivered to the UK construction industry in support of the Health in Construction Leadership Group, and in partnership with a number of industry representatives and mental health charities.

Key to its success is breaking the silence and stigma that can surround mental health in society in general, and the construction sector in particular, by promoting a culture of positive well-being.

According to Health and Safety Executive figures, 18 percent of reported work-related illnesses in the UK construction industry are the result of mental health problems, such as stress, depression or anxiety, accounting for 400,000 working days lost each year. Furthermore, industry data reports that 55 percent of construction workers had experienced mental health issues, whilst 42 percent are living with these issues at their current workplace. Construction deaths from suicide are also believed to be potentially ten times higher than that of fatal accidents at work.      

Central to the Mates in Mind framework is providing construction firms with a joined up approach to mental health, from support for employees, line managers and the organisation, through to a tiered training framework developed in collaboration with various organisations, including British Safety Council, Mind, and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England.

This builds understanding, knowledge and confidence amongst all workers throughout the business, so that they can get the help they need and identify colleagues who could benefit from further support.

More information on Mates in Mind and details on how to access its training materials and support resources are available at: www.matesinmind.org.                       

Commenting on the further roll out of Mates in Mind, Steve Hails, chair of Mates in Mind Board and director of health, safety and well-being at Tideway, said: 'Mates in Mind represents a meaningful way forward for tackling mental ill health in the workplace whilst also encouraging a positive well-being culture. Uniquely, this approach offers flexibility which enables a business to tailor the resources to their needs so that priorities can be more effectively targeted.'

Josceylene Shaw, executive director of Mates in Mind, said: 'As we all know, there is no health without mental health. The construction industry’s championing of Mates in Mind sends a strong message about the role workplaces can play in supporting workers’ mental well-being.'