Raising awareness of suicide prevention support for men in the construction industry 

MensCraft are partnering up with local businesses to raise awareness of the support available for men in the construction industry who are struggling with their mental health and at risk of suicide.     

‘Men are three times more likely to take their own life than women, and suicide rates amongst construction workers a further three times higher the national average. More than two construction workers take their own life every working day,’ says Ed Roberts, who leads our Prevention and Positive Activities Service.  ‘By working directly with businesses, we hope to be able to let more men know support is available, and also give employers the knowledge and skills to be able to better support men in their workplace.’ 

A recent study by national charity Mates in Mind ‘Supporting the mental health of self-employed construction workers’ identified that construction work has a variety of pressures from tight contracts to long hours, time away from loved-ones and managing budgets, exacerbated by the added stresses of the pandemic and now the rising costs of supplies. Additionally, within construction lies a “macho” culture which prevents many workers from seeking support and help when they may need it, putting further stress on their own mental health and wellbeing.   

The charity also reports that  

Longwater Construction Supplies near Costessey is one of the businesses that MensCraft are working with and recently invited the charity in to engage with their staff and customers.    

Marcus Brewin, Group Operations Manager at Longwater Construction Supplies said; ‘We take employee wellbeing extremely seriously and by creating the opportunity for staff and customers to engage with MensCraft, we not only open up a dialogue that might not otherwise have happened but also offer an opportunity to check up on their mental wellbeing and allow them to ask for help.’  

If your organisation would like to find out more about men’s mental health and the suicide prevention support offered by MensCraft, please email Ed.