G’day, tradies! As we all know, working in the trades can be bloody tough. You’re out there on the tools, working long hours, dealing with all sorts of physical demands and dangerous situations. It’s no wonder that mental health can sometimes take a hit. In fact, tradies are at a significantly higher risk of suicide than the general population. That’s why it’s so important that we talk about this issue and support each other when we’re struggling.
One organization that’s doing great work in this area is MATES in Construction. These legends provide suicide prevention and mental health support services for workers in the construction industry. They offer a range of programs and initiatives designed to promote mental health and well-being among tradies.
One of MATES’ top programs is the Connector Program. This one trains workers on construction sites to recognize the signs of suicide risk in their mates and provide them with support and resources. It’s been hugely successful, with research showing that it’s reduced suicide rates in the industry by up to 55%. That’s a bloody big deal.
Another initiative from MATES is the “Save Your Mates” campaign. This campaign aims to raise awareness of suicide prevention in the construction industry and encourage workers to look out for their colleagues’ mental health. It’s got a bunch of resources, including posters, videos, and training materials, so you can get informed and spread the word.
But MATES isn’t the only organization doing important work in this space. R U OK? and Beyond Blue are two other organizations that offer resources and support for mental health and suicide prevention more broadly, but they also offer targeted initiatives for tradies.
R U OK? is an Australian nonprofit that aims to prevent suicide by promoting meaningful conversations and connections. Their “Are You OK?” campaign encourages people to reach out to their friends and colleagues and ask them how they’re doing. They also offer resources and training on how to start these conversations and provide support.
Beyond Blue is another Australian nonprofit that focuses on mental health and well-being. They offer a range of resources and support services for people dealing with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. They also have a specific program for the construction industry called “Heads Up” which provides information, advice and resources to support the mental health of workers.
If you’re in need of immediate help, there are also crisis support services available. In Australia, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. These services offer confidential support and advice 24/7. In other countries, similar services are often available, so do a quick search online to find out what’s available in your area.
It’s important that we all look out for each other and take care of our mental health. There’s no shame in asking for help, and there are people and organizations out there who want to support us. So let’s look after ourselves and each other, and keep smashing it on the job.
Leave a Reply