The FMB is glad to be part of a new wellness alliance which has launched with a clear objective: to create better mental health awareness, support, and training for everyone working within the NI Built Environment sector.
Why is this needed?
In these challenging times there are real strains on our anxiety and stress levels. Working alongside colleagues we can be unaware of what they individually are facing and at times perhaps hold back our own concerns from others too. Sobering figures indicate across the UK two construction workers everyday take their own lives! We need to work together to address this shocking fact. Some simple steps we can all apply can help enormously.
So, what is the BMHA?
FMB NI are proud to be part of a recent Building Mental Health Alliance. This collaborative group has been working together for over a year and brings together industry federations, contractors, training and health and safety bodies to shine a light on the challenges for Construction workers and their families. At its recent launch, Professor Siobhan O’Neill, of Ulster University and the Northern Ireland Mental Health Champion, 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.”
How can its work help you?
As part of the launch BMHA announced some of its first outputs will include:
- The Construction Skills Register (CSR) will now include a mental health module in the basic health and safety training delivered to approximately 20,000 construction workers a year in Northern Ireland.
- 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. We would encourage all members to share this information with colleagues and friends.
- Toolbox talks that can be delivered on site. 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. These will be published shortly.
- Increased signposting to charitable groups, and confidential helplines such as the FMB’s official charity partner, The Lighthouse Club.
All this help works in harmony with the assistance the FMB provides as part of your membership area on our main website. Please check out the resources that are available to assist you and your team.
Going forward we will offer updates and direction as we work together to improve our industry and the environment within which we work.
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