MP for the Ribble Valley, Nigel Evans has recently joined the Homes Builders Federation (HBF) in promoting the importance of mental health awareness and the need for support in the home building industry.
HBF represent private sector homebuilders in England and Wales and recently hosted a reception to highlight the importance of improving mental health awareness in the construction sector, where currently two workers take their own lives every working day.
Across the UK mental health is not only impacting the wellbeing of the individuals concerned and their loved ones, but also has implications on employers and the wider society. Through a reduction in productivity, staff turnover and absenteeism, poor mental health is currently costing employers across the UK £53-56bn a year.
However, since 2019 HBF have been working with their members and charity partner Lighthouse Club to break the stigma around poor mental health in the construction sector and increase the support available.
As part of their reception, HBF have highlighted that progress is being made – over 1,000 mental health first aiders have been trained across the industry, and developers are supporting their workers through mental health awareness training, employee assistance programmes and toolbox talks.
Speaking on this issue Stewart Baseley, Executive Chairman of Homes Building Federation said:
“We cannot afford to be complacent and there is still much more work to be done to promote the importance of good mental health and create a culture where everyone feels comfortable to admit that they are not ‘okay’ without fear of judgement.
“Poor mental health is a complex challenge that cannot be fixed overnight, but HBF and its members are committed to taking the necessary steps to help those in need.”
MP for the Ribble Valley Nigel Evans said:
“I was pleased to attend Homes Builders Federations reception to help increase mental health awareness in home building and to learn more about the important support available from the charity Lighthouse Club for construction workers and their families.
“For many there is a real stigma surrounding poor mental health and I congratulate HBF and Lighthouse Club for their work and strongly welcome what they are doing to tackle this in the homes building industry, ensuring every construction worker knows there is mental health support available to them and how to access it.”
The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity is working alongside HBF and is available to provide emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing to those working in construction and their families. For those requiring support they offer a helpline on 03456051956 along with a 24/7 free and confidential support line via texting HARDHAT to 85258.