Leaders of the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) have announced their support of the Mates in Mind charity, and are encouraging GGF members to support the charity too. Mates in Mind exists to raise awareness of and improve mental health across the construction industry and related sectors.
As part a planned, three-year process to improve leadership around the promotion of positive mental wellbeing, the GGF team is offering a 10% discount to member businesses that also want to become a Mates in Mind supporter. Supporting companies gain exclusive access to resources, training and support designed to help establish a workplace mental health programme. This includes an annual assessment; a free, employee-focused ‘Start the Conversation’ course; access to a dedicated support manager; free management-level courses and discounted counselling support for staff members.
According to Mates in Mind, three in five employees working in construction have experienced a mental health condition with 73% reporting that their employers do not recognise the early signs of mental health problems. As a result, construction workers are 3.7 times more likely to take their own life compared to the average population.
Tom Butler, the GGF’s head of sales and marketing, said: “Mental health is a major issue for the construction industry and related sectors, including fenestration.
“Businesses should be doing all they can to raise awareness and understanding of mental health, and to support all members of staff with help if they need it. But they need to recognise it’s even more of a challenge for employees who spend extended periods of time on site. That’s because, moving from site to site with no permanent place of work and, in many cases, having limited face-to-face contact with other people can often prevent workers from seeking help if they need it.
“Since the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s not just those who are away on site that are vulnerable. There are plenty of workers who now operate remotely, or who are required to spend extensive periods of time away from home.
“By supporting Mates in Mind, and by offering GGF member organisations a discounted rate to become supporters, we are aiming to reduce the stigma of mental health, and to provide clear information to employers about the guidance available to establish more open and supportive cultures within the workplace.”
Read more about becoming a Mates in Mind supporter at this webpage.
