Recent data revealed that the suicide rate among construction workers is on the rise, having increased from 25.52 per 100,000 to 33.82 per 100,000 between 2015 and 2021.
Band of Builders, a charity which supports builders and other built environment professionals, has responded to the crisis by increasing its provision.
As part of the initiative, the organisation has launched a mental health and wellbeing platform which offers construction workers and their families access to professional advice and resources.
Construction workers can also sign up for virtual counselling via live chat, WhatsApp, SMS or phone call.
By expanding its services, the charity hopes it can encourage more people to make the first step and reach out when they are struggling with their mental health.
Peter Cape, a spokesperson for the charity, said: “Band of Builders has a very active community of nearly 50,000 tradespeople across the UK, and they share so many heartbreaking stories of people who have been lost, are facing some very serious situations or are generally struggling.”
When to get help
If you or someone you know is experiencing the following, then it might be time to reach out.
You’re feeling more stressed and/or hopeless than usual
You’ve lost interest in things you used to enjoy
You’re having thoughts/feelings which are making it hard to get through your day-to-day
You feel overwhelmed by the smallest of tasks
Changes in your sleeping and eating habits
Irritability or heightened emotions
Where to get help
Remember, you’re not alone in how your feeling and help is always out there. Here are a few ideas on where to seek help should you be feeling overwhelmed.
Visit the Band of Builders’ website to apply for wellbeing support or refer a colleague/friend/family member.
Seek professional advice from a trained therapist.
Contact a Samaritan for a free and confidential chat.
Talk to a trusted friend or family member about how you’re feeling.
If you feel like you are in immediate danger of harming yourself, call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
Pillar Partnership takes mental health very seriously and supports all candidates, from the first telephone call throughout the interview process and beyond. Drop us an email via info@wearepillar.com to find out more about our current built environment opportunities.
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