FMB NEWS
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING ARE JUST AS CRUCIAL AS
The summer months can be some of our busiest times at work. With better weather and longer daylight hours, cramming in as much work as possible before the winter months ahead can have an impact on not only our physical health, but also our mental and emotional wellbeing. THE NEED FOR SUPPORT The construction workforce is among the highest at risk of suicide and, disturbingly, statistics from the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity reveal that in the UK, two construction workers take their own lives every day. The construction industry is rife with stressors that can elevate anxiety levels. Amid the hustle of daily tasks, we may remain unaware of the personal battles our colleagues face - just as we might hesitate to share or even recognise our own struggles. Addressing this alarming reality requires collective effort and simple, effective steps to support one another. Whilst as a society, we emphasise health and safety measures to protect against physical harm, we often overlook the equally critical issue of mental wellness. That narrative needs to change. AVAILABLE RESOURCES The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is deeply committed to supporting its members and the broader construction community. Our membership services are designed to assist with the physical, logistical and human challenges inherent in construction projects. Significant progress PHYSICAL SAFETY IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY BUT OFTEN OVERLOOKED, SAYS FMB NI DIRECTOR GAVIN MCGUIRE… Help under the hard hat
The Building Mental Health Alliance aims to enhance mental health awareness, support and training within Northern Ireland’s built environment sector.
is being made in this area, and the key lies in increasing awareness and normalising the pursuit of support. FMB is proud to participate in the Building Mental Health Alliance, which aims to enhance mental health awareness, support and training within Northern Ireland’s built environment sector. This initiative offers an industry-wide signposting service, ensuring that help is always just ‘two clicks away’. Central to this initiative is a QR code that provides straightforward access from any smart device to a webpage directing users to confidential assistance. This service offers free helplines and information on various mental health concerns affecting construction workers. Resources are available for download, including videos, posters and regular messages that can be displayed at your workplace.
of this programme. However, our efforts must continue.
TAKING ACTION We urge you to engage with this initiative: scan the QR code, explore the available resources, and share this information with your colleagues. Together, we can ensure that help is readily accessible to those in need, fostering a healthier and more supportive work environment. Mental health and wellbeing are just as crucial as physical safety in the construction industry. By utilising the resources provided by the Building Mental Health Alliance, we can support one another in navigating the stresses and anxieties of our work. Let’s make sure every builder knows that help is just two clicks away.
MEASURING SUCCESS The past year of this campaign has
underscored the necessity of maintaining momentum in promoting this support, and normalising mental health conversations. The QR code and accompanying website has reached thousands of construction workers, offering an informal yet invaluable means of accessing confidential information, advice and reassurance. Many have expressed their gratitude for this simple system that facilitates access to essential resources. Site visits, information packs, conference talks, webinars, training seminars and one-on-one conversations have all contributed to raising awareness
Help is always ‘two clicks away’ with a QR code providing straightforward access from any smart device to a webpage directing users to confidential assistance.
To find out more about the benefits of becoming an FMB member, speak to our membership team on T: +44 (0)3303 337 777, E: membership@fmb.org.uk or visit www.fmb.org.uk
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