Mental health support in our industry: how and where to find help

At Hawes Construction, we really believe that if you’re in a position to support people facing challenges, you should do what you can to help.  

‘Be the best we can be’ is one of our values. That applies to everything we do in our work and for our clients’ projects. Yet it also applies to the wider construction world, where mental health problems, including a high rate of male suicides, are sadly prevalent. We have a voice, so we believe we should use it to support and raise wider awareness of charities, causes and organisations providing wellbeing care to the people we work with.  

We’ve listed some of the resources below, with groups local to us here in Sussex as well as charities operating nationwide. We’ve also included links to their websites so, if you’d like to talk to someone, you can get in touch with trained support in the way that works for you. 

Southern Wellness Action Group (SWAG) 

This small but powerful group promotes mental health and wellbeing for those in the construction sector in South East England, with particular focus on combatting the tragically rising rates of male suicide within construction. Founded by Sarra’s good friends Ian Pickard and Jason Wickenden, SWAG is there for people in the industry who want to reach out to someone who will listen confidentially to the challenges they face and help them overcome them. 

You can find different ways to contact and connect with the group on their web page (where you might also spot our Sarra in the videos!).  

Southern Wellness Action Group

Mates in Mind 

There’s a terrible stigma attached to poor mental health. Yet charities like Mates in Mind are doing everything they can to raise awareness of, address and remove that stigma, particularly within the construction sector and its connected industries. 

Mates in Mind provides support and guidance on mental health and wellbeing, with free, confidential helplines staffed by trained people ready to listen. They also deliver clear information to employers about how to support their staff, giving guidance on wellbeing and directing them to sources where they can find help.  

https://www.matesinmind.org/ 

Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity 

The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity provides emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to the construction community and their families. Understanding wellbeing is broad and unique to everyone, they’re here to help with anything from stress and depression, nutrition and addiction, through to debt management and emergency financial aid.  

They have a range of free, widely available resources to support you. On their website, you’ll find a chat box, helplines to call or text, and an app to download so you get the help you need in the way that best suits you. 

https://www.lighthouseclub.org/ 

Mental health challenges are widespread in the construction industry. So we’re investing our time and resources as best we can to make a change for the better.  

If you’re facing difficulties, please get in touch with the organisations listed here who have the tools available to guide you and listen to you. Or, if you’d like to know what you and your business can do to support others in your organisation or help any of the charities listed here, we’ll be happy to signpost you in the right direction.