What does Mates in Mind do?
As a charity, Mates in Mind enables UK organisations, of any size, to improve their workforces’ mental health. We do this by providing the skills, clarity and confidence to employers on how to raise awareness, improve understanding and address the stigma that surrounds mental health.
We also advocate, and influence policy with regards to workplace mental health.
Through our unique Supporter Programme, Mates in Mind are supporting organisations across the UK in construction and other related sectors, including transport, logistics, manufacturing and processing logistics.
In addition, through our Being Well Together programme, we can support organisations who are looking at improving the mental health of their workforce through a wider focus on wellbeing.
You can find more about how we work here.
Why should my business look to improve mental health awareness and understanding?
Studies show that a significant percentage of work-related ill health cases are attributed to stress, depression or anxiety. In terms of a cost to business, this amounted to around 16.4 million working days lost in 2023/24 (HSE), with mental ill-health costing UK private-sector employers an estimated £45 billion in 2020/21. However, on average businesses achieve a £5 return for every £1 spent on wellbeing support (Deloitte UK).
Business should be looking to improve mental health awareness and understanding because this can help organisations to tackle the stigma and silence that surrounds the topic.
In this way, workplace attitudes and cultures can be changed, and business' can develop open and healthy workplace environments in which their workforce can thrive, improving productivity and reducing presenteeism.
Is construction the only industry you support?
While Mates in Mind was initially established to support the UK construction and related industries, due to the increasing numbers of enquiries from other industries, we now offer our support and guidance to organisations from a range of sectors.
However, whilst we are delighted to be supporting additional sectors, we remain committed to supporting construction and achieving our initial target of reaching 75% of the industry by 2025.
How can my business get involved?
Organisations can get involved with Mates in Mind by joining our community of Supporters.
Find out more about becoming a Mates in Mind Supporter by visiting our contact us page and completing the form. A member of the team will then be in touch to discuss how we can support you and your organisation.
How can I donate to Mates in Mind?
There are a number of ways you can donate to us here at Mates in Mind.
The easiest way to support our work is to donate through our main 'Donate' button at the top of the page, or through our other giving channels located on our donation page.
Or if you prefer, you can get in touch with us at [email protected] and we can send you our bank details or to discuss using your preferred method of payment.
FAQs continued
Why is mental health important?
In the UK 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem at some point (HSE). 41% of employees experience mental health issues because of work, however, 30% of employees will tell no-one about it (Mental Health at Work 2020 Summary Report).
Mental ill-health can affect anyone, at any time, which is why it is so important that individuals have the clarity and confidence to know how and where to get support.
We understand that without an understanding and awareness of mental health, it can be difficult to start the conversation. Therefore, Mates in Mind are helping to make sense of available options and support for employers to address mental health within the workplace.
Are you a training provider?
While we do produce and host a number of training courses, Mates in Mind is not a training provider as such.
Instead, we work alongside a number of partner organisations, such as Mental Health First Aid England and the British Safety Council, who support us in delivering our training courses.
How can individuals support Mates in Mind?
As an individual, one of the greatest ways you can support the work we do is by fundraising for us.
If you are thinking of fundraising for our charity or donating to us, please visit our fundraising page for more information.
You can also sign up to our newsletter (at the bottom of the page) for the latest updates on all Mates in Mind activities including: new resource releases, upcoming events and training opportunities, fundraiser updates and our latest news.
How can I fundraise for Mates in Mind?
There are a number of ways to fundraise for Mates in Mind.
If you are thinking of fundraising, please visit our fundraising page for more information, advice and tips on how to get started.
You can also read stories from our inspiring fundraisers who have chosen to support us and discover why and how they raised money to support the work that we do.
Are there posters or other promotional materials available to purchase?
We are pleased to offer a wide range of charitable promotional materials, available to purchase, which can be used to support your mental health strategy, awareness activities, or to demonstrate your commitment to breaking the silence surrounding mental ill health.
The full range of Mates in Mind resources and tools are available exclusively to our Supporters in their Supporter area.
To purchase our public resources, see our shop or contact the team at [email protected] for any specific product enquiries.
What’s the best way of getting in touch with Mates in Mind?
The best way to get in touch with our team is via our contact form. This helps us ensure that the right member of the team is available to support you with your query.
Alternatively you can contact the Mates in Mind team via phone on 020 3510 5018 or by emailing us at [email protected] with any enquiries.
Our office hours are between 9am – 5pm from Monday to Friday.
How does Mates in Mind work with the British Safety Council and other partners?
When Mates in Mind was established in 2017, we were founded by the Construction Leadership Group (HCLG) in partnership with the British Safety Council.
Now working as a registered UK charity, with an independent board of trustees and governance, Mates in Mind sit as part of the British Safety Council Group. Working alongside the British Safety Council, our partners, sector leaders and growing community of Supporters, we are delivering effective change across construction, related industries and more widely.
Are Mates in Mind affiliated with Mates in Construction
Mate in Mind is in no way affiliated with Mates in Construction.
Don't see your question here?
If you have a question which has not been covered above or if there is anything else at all you would like to discuss, don't hesitate to get in touch with our team today.
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Continue reading - What we do
Learn more about how we work, our sector specific support and our partnerships.
What we do