Mates In Mind Welcomes Mental Health Initiative

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13 September 2018 | Updated 10 October 2018

Mates in Mind has welcomed the launch of the new online ‘Mental Health at Work’ gateway and emphasises that changing workplace cultures requires continuous leadership and hands-on-support.

The interaction between work and mental health is complex, sensitive and a challenge for employers.  Mates in Mind has, as an industry-partnered initiative launched last year, supported many firms create better understanding across the construction supply chain and is pleased to support the continuing work associated with the new Gateway announced this week.

Evidence from a workplace wellbeing study by the mental health charity Mind (2018) shows that lack of awareness remains a barrier to addressing the issue in work and greater awareness and practical training are valuable investments.  The research also found that those staff who felt their line manager supported their mental health were 11 times more likely to disclose a mental health problem, compared with those who did not.

Mates in Mind has already reached more than 150,000 workers in its first year by providing more than 150 supporter and partner construction and related firms with tailored resources and support.  Its approach helps all firms, irrespective of their scale and scope, to understand what mental wellbeing means for their workforce, gives them the knowledge to invest in the things that will make a difference.   

Steve Hails, Chair of Mates in Mind and Health, Safety and Wellbeing Director, Tideway, a Mates in Mind Business Champion reflected on its achievements over the last year: “Putting the right kind of support in place was the start for us and for many others. Importantly this needs to happen across all levels of the business and leadership is key.  We are working collaboratively across the sector through various projects and works, building in the change we need throughout the supply chain.  We must remember that more than three quarters of those working in construction are employed by SMEs.”

Reflecting on Mates in Mind’s work which as a programme of support often involves partnering with other charities, Joscelyne Shaw, its Executive Director said: “Creating awareness and improving access to information is important. However, as we say when providing mental wellbeing training ‘we are not the same’, in a similar way, no two organisations are either.

Our experience in working with our Business Champions and Supporters over the last year highlights that it is essential for an organisation to recognise it has its own story to tell and that having the confidence to embark on this journey needs hands-on support.”

Picture: Mates in Mind Logo.

Article written by Robin Snow | Published 13 September 2018

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