MENTAL HEALTH
L-R: Darren McClean (Head of SHEQ, Farrans), Andrew Cooke (Safety, Health and Environment Director, GRAHAM), Siobhan O’Neill (Mental Health Champion for Northern Ireland), David Wallace (SHEQ Director, Henry Brothers Limited).
“Spotting the signs” roleplay by two actors.
BMHA comprises of representatives from the following organisations: • NISG • WHLGNI “The BMHA will work together with the aim to create better mental health awareness, support and training.”
in the basic health and safety training delivered to approximately 20,000 construction workers a year in Northern Ireland. The module will highlight signs of mental ill health to look out for and signpost candidates to some of the organisations and charities that provide help and advice locally. • A toolbox talk that can be delivered on sites. This aims to raise awareness at site level of the issues that could be impacting those working on the site and how they can get help. • An awareness video that demonstrates to construction workers the importance of looking out for their colleagues and that support exists for those experiencing mental ill health. Wilson Lambe, BMHA Chair, commented, “It was fantastic to see such a great turnout at the event which highlights how seriously the industry takes the issue of mental ill health. The actions announced today are just the start of what the Building Mental Health Alliance plans to do. Further initiatives will be announced shortly and it’s vitally important the whole of the construction industry works together to make better mental health a priority.” Siobhan O’Neill, Northern Ireland Mental
Health Champion, who presented at the event commented, “It’s clear that employment in the construction industry is associated with a particular set of challenges that can impact on workers’ mental health. It’s heartening to see such a wide range of representatives coming together to start to tackle this issue. By creating a culture of openness and breaking down the stigma that surrounds mental health issues, individuals will feel more comfortable when raising any issues affecting their mental health and disclosing mental health difficulties.” MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT BMHA is keen to raise awareness of the fantastic work of organisations that provide guidance and support in Northern Ireland. These eleven organisations attended the launch to highlight the services they provide: Action Mental Health, Aware NI, Cause, Helplines NI, Inspire Wellbeing, HSENI (Mental Wellbeing Team), Lighthouse Club - The Construction Industry Charity, Lifeline, Mindwise, PIPS Charity and Samaritans. For more information about the BMHA, contact Ernie Spence, Joint Secretary of the NI Safety Group, T: +44 (0)28 9336 8928 / Mob: +44 (0)7938 049270.
• NICG • Farrans • GRAHAM • Henry Brothers • McLaughlin & Harvey
• CITBNI • CEFNI • MPANI
Attendees networking with 11 mental health organisations exhibiting.
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