Sophie Smith’s Post

This World Mental Health Day, we are joining people across the globe in recognising the importance of looking after our mental health and wellbeing 🧠🗣️ We are members of The Lighthouse Charity, providing a 24/7 safety net for all construction workers and their families in the UK and Ireland. In the UK and Ireland, construction workers face demanding hours, high-pressure environments, and physically tough work, making mental health challenges all too common. Alarming statistics reveal that construction workers in the UK are nearly 4 times more likely to die by suicide than the national average, whilst in Ireland, the risk is even higher, with construction workers being 10 times more likely to die by suicide compared to other professions. It’s important to continue these important conversations and address mental health within the industry. To find out more, visit: https://lnkd.in/duszH98 #WorldMentalHealthDay #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #WMHD2024 #Construction #MentalHealthMatters

I have been writing about suicide and mental health issues within the construction industry for more than 10 years. In that time there have been massive strides worldwide to tackle these issues, but sadly figures still remain exceptionally high. In America construction workers are four times more likely to kill themselves than any other profession. There are similar figures in America and Europe. What a ***** tragic waste. If you can check out the full article here: https://lnkd.in/ejc-DRke #mentalhealth #suicide #construction #constructionhealth

🌍 World Mental Health Day 🌍 At PAS (NW) Ltd, we recognise the importance of mental well-being, especially in the construction industry, where the pressures can be immense. 🛑 This is hard hitting, but as an industry we need to talk about it . . . Did you know? 👷 Construction workers are three times more likely to die by suicide than the average UK worker. 👷 Around 20% of construction workers have experienced severe mental health issues like stress, anxiety, or depression. 🚧 The industry sees an estimated 400 suicides each year in the UK—a devastating statistic that highlights the importance of awareness and support. 🏗️ The demands of our sector, long hours, physically taxing work, and tight deadlines can create significant stress. 🗣️ Therefore, it's vital that we open up the conversation and create environments where workers feel supported and able to speak up. In our organisation, we encourage this regularly. Fraser L., Managing Director of PAS NW Ltd, said: "Mental health should be at the forefront of our minds every day, not just on World Mental Health Day. At PAS, we’re committed to ensuring our team has the support they need to thrive—both on-site and off." This #WorldMentalHealthDay, let’s pledge to break the stigma around mental health in construction. At #PASNW our teams are our most important asset—let’s ensure they’re safe not just physically, but mentally too. 💚 If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out. Support is available. #MentalHealthMatters #WorldMentalHealthDay #ConstructionWellbeing #PASNW #TogetherWeCan #BreakTheStigma

I have been writing about suicide and mental health issues within the construction industry for more than 10 years. In that time there have been massive strides worldwide to tackle these issues, but sadly figures still remain exceptionally high. In America construction workers are four times more likely to kill themselves than any other profession. There are similar figures in America and Europe. What a ***** tragic waste. If you can check out the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eMqTTrMR #mentalhealth #suicide #construction #constructionhealth

Monday night is Andy's man club night in our house- the husband goes because he wants to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and help men through the power of conversation. #ITSOKAYTOTALK Controversial opinion but do guys find it easier to talk to another man about mental health? or is it easier to open up about issues when talking to a woman? I'm also a firm supporter of mental health and supporting each other (not just the guys on site). Still, stats showed that In 2020, a CIOB report found that 97% of construction workers had felt stressed, 87% had experienced anxiety and 70% had experienced depression over the past year. In 2021, a report from Randstad found that 42% of construction workers surveyed experienced declining mental health due to Covid-19. The human cost of mental ill-health could not be ignored with suicide rates amongst construction workers at 3.7 times higher than the national average. And astonishingly, an Overview of 82% of UK builders experience mental health problems due to work-related issues after research with UK tradespeople in a 2023 report. Unfortunately, two workers take their own lives every working day in the industry. What does your business do to support each other? Links below for anyone who needs someone to talk to. https://lnkd.in/efDz-7S7 https://lnkd.in/eA5z2Dxy

It’s #WorldMentalHealthDay 💚🎗 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙙𝙖𝙮, 2 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚: 𝟮 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆. At Once For All, our Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA) support the team if they’re struggling with mental health. Matt Burton, one of our MHFAs, speaks of why he took on the role: “I took on the MFHA role based on my own personal experiences of mental health. I don't see the role as a task, but really to promote positive mental health and wellbeing across our business and act as a person who, with some experience, can signpost others to support. "In a challenging environment, and across a huge age range of people and diversity, challenges in life need to be dealt with and to provide comfort and solace for those having difficult experiences. "If anyone wants to talk, or needs someone to listen, then I think that is why the MFHA is so important, not just because it promotes positivity and awareness but also to have those tough conversations to get to a better place.” For those struggling with mental health, or if you know someone who might be, The Lighthouse Charity supports the construction community and their families. With a 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline, they provide access to emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to develop healthy and sustainable futures for all. 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀. Let’s continue to break the stigma and encourage conversations to save those closest to us. #WMHD2024 #MentalHealthMatters #ConstructionIndustry

It’s #WorldMentalHealthDay 💚🎗 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙙𝙖𝙮, 2 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚: 𝟮 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆. At Constructionline, a Once For All company, our Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA) support the team if they’re struggling with mental health. Matt Burton, one of our MHFAs, speaks of why he took on the role: “I took on the MFHA role based on my own personal experiences of mental health. I don't see the role as a task, but really to promote positive mental health and wellbeing across our business and act as a person who, with some experience, can signpost others to support. "In a challenging environment, and across a huge age range of people and diversity, challenges in life need to be dealt with and to provide comfort and solace for those having difficult experiences. "If anyone wants to talk, or needs someone to listen, then I think that is why the MFHA is so important, not just because it promotes positivity and awareness but also to have those tough conversations to get to a better place.” For those struggling with mental health, or if you know someone who might be, The Lighthouse Charity supports the construction community and their families. With a 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline, they provide access to emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to develop healthy and sustainable futures for all. 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀. Let’s continue to break the stigma and encourage conversations to save those closest to us. #WMHD2024 #MentalHealthMatters #ConstructionIndustry

🚧 This Men's Health Month, let's spotlight an issue often overlooked in the construction industry: the alarming rates of suicide among male workers. 🚧 Did you know that male construction workers are significantly more at risk of suicide compared to the general population? The nature of our work, long hours, and the pressures we face can often lead to mental health challenges that go unnoticed. It's time to break the stigma and start the conversation. By raising awareness and supporting mental health initiatives, we can create a safer, healthier work environment for everyone in the industry. Here are a few steps we can take: 1️⃣ Encourage open dialogue about mental health. Let's make it okay to talk about our struggles and seek help when needed. 2️⃣ Provide resources and support for mental health education and training. Knowledge empowers us to recognize signs of distress and support our colleagues. 3️⃣ Promote work-life balance and stress management techniques. Taking care of ourselves physically and mentally is crucial for our well-being. Together, we can make a difference. Let's stand up for the mental health of our colleagues and create a supportive community in construction. 💪 https://lnkd.in/gnbDZB7W #MensHealthMonth #ConstructionIndustry #MentalHealthAwareness #EndTheStigma #WorkplaceWellness

🧠 CIOB launches survey to address mental health in construction 🧠 The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has launched a global survey to address the silent mental health crisis in the construction industry. By Miles Rebeiro #construction https://lnkd.in/ds-wWnVz

Yesterday was #WorldMentalHealthDay. Men and women can be affected by mental health issues at any time, and they often go unnoticed until it’s too late. 👷🏻♂️ 𝗠𝗮𝗻 𝗨𝗽, 𝗦𝗼𝗻 That said, we must recognise construction is an industry significantly skewed towards men from working class backgrounds. Men brought up with working class values and an expectation of what a ‘man’ is. To lead by example, to be stoic, tough, and to “bring home the bacon.” No excuses. The world has moved on significantly, but these tropes are stubborn within the building trade. And the high suicide rate for men within construction remains equally stubborn. Collectively, we need to do more to help those struggling. 𝗖𝗜𝗢𝗕 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵, 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 & 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹 Teresa Gorham, our new Group HSQE Director has co-written a blog post for the The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) discussing this topic. She considers some of the actions we can take to support mental wellbeing for all of us in construction, men 𝘢𝘯𝘥 women. 👷🏻♂️👷🏻♀️ 🆘 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗢𝘂𝘁 As a reminder to all Optima staff, you have access to Help@Hand via the Unum app. Through it you can access unlimited mental health support consultations if you feel uncomfortable speaking to colleagues. There are also construction charity groups such as #MatesInMind you can reach out to. 🫱🏼🫲🏽 You’re not on your own and you’re certainly not weak for seeking help. We know it's a lot, and we’re all here for you. 📖 To read Teresa’s blog, please click the link:  https://lnkd.in/eUftd7mV