MENTAL HEALTH
A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT BETWEEN INDUSTRY ORGANISATIONS, EMPLOYERS, TRAINING BODIES AND SUPPORT CHARITIES IS HELPING TO DRIVE POSITIVE CHANGE IN MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING ACROSS CONSTRUCTION...
Five years ago, conversations about mental health in construction were far less common than they are today. While significant challenges remain, there is growing evidence that Northern Ireland’s construction industry is taking practical steps to improve awareness, reduce stigma and ensure workers know where to turn when they need support. Helping to drive this activity is the Building Mental Health Alliance (BMHA), a collaboration between construction employers, industry representative bodies, training organisations and support charities. The partnership focuses on improving awareness, encouraging early intervention and connecting workers with support. Established in 2022, the Alliance brings together the Construction Industry Training Board NI, Construction Employers Federation (CEF), Federation of Master Builders (FMB), Northern Ireland Safety Group, Builders Merchants Federation, GRAHAM, Farrans, McLaughlin & Harvey, Henry Brothers and other industry partners. Since 2021, the group has worked collectively to raise awareness, promote training Building Mental Health Alliance
The Lighthouse Charity NI Region Committee at its annual fundraising lunch in Titanic Belfast on September 18.
and signpost workers and employers to professional support services.
and safety for operatives course. To date, an estimated 80,000 individuals have received training and signposting information through the programme, helping to challenge stigma and encourage greater openness across construction workplaces.
Turning awareness into action One of the alliance’s most successful initiatives has been the launch of a dedicated QR code campaign linking workers directly to three 24-hour support services: Lighthouse Charity, Samaritans and Lifeline. The QR codes have been distributed through hard hat stickers, workplace posters, induction materials and vehicle air fresheners, helping to place support information directly into the hands of workers across the industry. The campaign was developed to make support easier to access for workers who may not otherwise seek help. In addition, the CEF introduced a mental health module within its Construction Skills Register (CSR) one-day health
Supporting small and micro-businesses
While awareness and training are helping to normalise conversations around mental health, ensuring support reaches smaller businesses remains a key challenge for the industry. For Gavin Maguire, FMB Regional Director, this is where industry collaboration can make a real difference. “FMB Northern Ireland is proud to be part of the Building Mental Health Alliance and to support its work across our construction industry,” said Gavin. “Mental health must be treated with the same importance as physical health and safety, and that means creating an environment where people feel able to speak openly and know where to turn for help. “The strength of the Alliance is its collaborative approach, bringing industry organisations together to raise awareness, challenge stigma and provide practical support. For FMB, this is about making a real difference to people working in construction and ensuring that no one
A sponsored hike was recently held in the Mourne Mountains in support of the Lighthouse Charity.
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