A charity has reminded construction workers the importance of looking out for the wellbeing of their colleagues this World Mental Health Day.
Suffolk Mind shared the advice ahead of the global awareness day on October 10 with the hopes of creating a more supportive sector both in the county and beyond.
Ellie Winch, Engagement Manager at the charity, said: “There are lots of things both in the industry and in people’s personal lives which could be affecting their mental health.
“That could be things like worrying about profitability, workload or payment from clients. The ongoing volatility of the fuel market is an example of how something global can affect people in their daily lives.
“For the self-employed, those fears could be exacerbated by things like a lack of enhanced sick leave or annual leave, giving them less of a chance to take a break and rest.”
The signs of mental ill health can differ from person to person, although it can commonly display through people being quiet, distant or more irritable.
Looking out for those signs – whether as a fellow tradie, a foreman or site manager – can open the door to offering support and improving their wellbeing.
Ellie added: “It’s often easy to spot when things are out of the ordinary in someone’s mood, but it can be difficult to find the best ways to approach them about it.
“Those working on a site might notice someone not joining in on the banter, or choosing to eat in their van away from others, for example.
“As a site manager or foreman, if you notice someone isn’t right or you know something’s going on at home, buddying that person up on a job can support them in a subtle way, but keeps conversation open and stops them retreating in too far.
“Talking side by side on a job is much more effective than bringing someone in for a wellbeing chat – keep it informal and on familiar territory.”
For those experiencing mental ill health themselves, Ellie said: “It’s important to remember the things in life you can and can’t control.
“So many of the pressures the industry faces right now – the volatile fuel market being a great example – really are outside an individual person’s control.
“That’s something friends and colleagues need to be mindful of too. There will be things you can’t control, but helping them keep their morale up can take their mind off things for a while and help them get some headspace back.
“You can also use humour, where appropriate, to start conversations and get into rapport with the person you’re hoping to support.”
More information and tips about supporting mental health can be found on the Suffolk Mind website.
The charity also offers training to businesses through its CITB-registered arm The Mental Health Toolkit, with courses and packages available here.
