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GGF Supports Mates In Mind Mental Health Charity
The Glass & Glazing Federation has become a supporter of Mates in Mind, a leading charity that aims to raise awareness of and improve mental health...
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Mates in Mind & World Suicide Prevention Day
September 10 marks World Suicide Prevention Day, an annual awareness day created to establish worldwide commitment and action on suicide prevention.
With over 6,221 suicides registered in the UK in 2020 alone and on average two construction workers taking their own lives every working day, the industry recognises it is vital conversations on how to stop it are started.
Mates in Mind is an organisation that believes breaking the silence and stigma surrounding mental ill-health is a crucial step towards providing a safe and healthy workplace environment, which can play a vital role in suicide prevention.
“This Suicide Prevention Day, it’s important to reiterate that early intervention is key regarding reducing the suicide rate within construction. It’s vital that individuals who are struggling with their mental health feel they are able to talk about how they are feeling and seek support before reaching that crisis point.”
– Michelle Wiles
Patron, Mates in Mind
It can happen to anyone
In 2019, my husband Chris suffered a mental health crisis brought on by severe stress, which developed at rapid speed and led to him taking his own life,” continues Wiles. “No one should go through what Chris went through, and no family should go through what we have. Chris never experienced any mental health illness previously so I can’t emphasise enough that if it can happen to him, it can happen to anyone.”
We Mind and Kelly Matters
The We Mind and Kelly Matters cycling teams (also known as Kelly’s Heroes working to raise funds in memory of a young lady who took her own life) are taking on two extremely difficult challenges in Europe and the US. Initially, they will start on 10 September (World Suicide Prevention Day) in northern Spain and cycling through France and Germany for 10 days. The team (supplemented my new members replacing some only on the European leg) then move on to Newark in the US starting on 24 September and finishing on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco on 10 October (World Mental Health Day).
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Start the conversation
Mates in Mind’s Wiles adds: “Education on how to spot the signs that someone could be suffering from poor mental health and having the confidence to ‘start the conversation’ is vital to breaking down the barriers that prevent individuals from reaching out to the available support. Mates in Mind helps everyone to understand their roles and responsibilities when it comes to mental wellbeing and importantly, their approach enables individuals to understand how, when and where they can get support.
“No one should be afraid to ask or tell someone that they are struggling. Please do know that you can talk and there is someone there that understands your struggles, reach out to a manager or someone you trust if you are struggling, you are not a failure, there is always a solution”.
Not alone
Research suggests that open and honest communication about mental ill-health supports steps towards suicide prevention because these important conversations have the power to increase awareness and understanding, remind people they are not alone and help break the stigma which can be a barrier for those seeking help. In light of this, Mates In Mind is encouraging workplaces across the UK to use this opportunity to begin those vital discussions around mental health in an industry that is in need of change.
Starting point
Sarah Meek, MD of Mates in Mind says: “Opening up an honest conversation about mental health in the workplace continues to be the most immediate and effective starting point. We cannot underestimate this important first step – helping to provide clear language, create general awareness and supporting people to recognise that everyone has mental health which can vary depending on circumstances and life stresses. We cannot underestimate the impact that work related stress can have too and how a discussion with the line manager can often help and is not to be seen as a weakness or failure to cope.
“Our experience in supporting over 650 organisations has shown us that the work we do at Mates in Mind can make a meaningful difference to the wellbeing of an organisation and its people. This awareness day provides an opportunity for workplaces and sites across the country to get involved, look out for your mates and start a conversation which could in turn save a life.”
Suicide Prevention Day hub
To support these conversations, Mates In Mind has launched a Suicide Prevention Day hub for employers, with resources and information to support vital discussions for organisations and individuals alike. For More – Click Here
Article written by Cathryn Ellis
07th September 2022