A suicide awareness campaign backed by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and NHS Wales has been launched across construction sites in Wales.
The initiative, developed in partnership with the NHS Wales Suicide Prevention and Self Harm Programme, includes a poster campaign and a series of toolbox talks aimed at encouraging workers to seek help and challenge stigma around mental health.
Support services promoted in the campaign include NHS 111 Wales, the C.A.L.L. Mental Health Helpline, and the construction-specific Lighthouse charity helpline.
Male suicide rates in Wales are more than three times those of women, the CITB said, with factors such as job insecurity, long hours, and a reluctance to discuss mental health contributing to higher risk in the construction sector.
Launch events for the campaign have been held at Sacyr’s Velindre Cancer Centre project in Cardiff and a school site in Flintshire.
CITB engagement director for Wales Julia Stevens said the programme builds on progress to reduce stigma and improve access to support, adding: “It’s vital that we look after our workforce and create the right culture where people can access support without fear of stigma.”
Dr Chris O’Connor, clinical lead in NHS Wales’s mental health programme, said stigma around mental health remains a barrier to seeking help, but increased awareness and signposting could encourage more conversations and interventions on site.
The CITB said it has funded more than £1.5m in mental health initiatives since 2018 and supported nearly 52,000 people to complete mental health first aid and awareness training.
Source: CITB announcement