Mates in Mind is a leading UK charity raising awareness and addressing the stigma of poor mental health. We promote and lead on the development of positive mental wellbeing within the workplace. Mates in Mind works across industries, focusing on construction, as well as related sectors including transport, logistics, manufacturing, and others.
Men in the UK are three times more likely to die by suicide than women. However, in construction, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than the national average for men, with an average of two construction workers taking their own lives every working day.
For the first time ever, Mates in Mind will be hosting a Parliamentary drop-in to discuss the mental health problem within Construction with MPs and what more can be done to provide further support to this sector.
We would appreciate your support in inviting MPs to this session so they have the opportunity to learn more about what they can do to tackle poor mental health outcomes and support a proactive, preventative approach to mental health support in this important industry.
The template email is below, you can also find out who your local MP is and how to contact them at this website.
Email Template
Subject: Drop-In with Mates in Mind – Mental Health in the Construction Industry
I am writing to invite you to a drop-in session hosted by UK charity Mates in Mind to highlight the shocking statistics on mental health within the construction industry. The event is a collaboration with Liz Twist MP, and it will take place on Wednesday 7th December, from 1.15-3.00pm in Room R, Portcullis House.
Drop-In with Mates in Mind – Mental Health in the Construction Industry
Wednesday 7th December, 1.15 – 3.00pm
Room R, Portcullis House
Men in the UK are three times more likely to die by suicide than women. However, in construction, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than the national average for men, with an average of two construction workers taking their lives every working day.
The construction industry comes with a variety of pressures, from tight contracts to long hours, time away from loved-ones and budget management. These pressures have only been exacerbated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising cost of living and supplies.
Whilst mental health awareness and outreach has become more common within tier 1 contractors, problems remain throughout the supply chain and industry limitations have thus far precluded a more proactive approach.
The pressure to deliver construction projects more efficiently and sustainably creates an ever-increasing load on the industry to deliver more for less. A revised approach to procurement is needed if we are to tackle the work-related stresses and reluctance to speak out amongst teams on the ground.
Please attend to learn more about what can be done to tackle poor mental health outcomes and support a proactive, preventative approach to mental health support in this important industry.
Please RSVP to [email protected]