FOUNDATION FRAMEWORK said:“ We know that opening up about a mental health problem with someone who’ s ready to listen is the first step towards getting vital help. Our research shows that those working in the construction sector find it particularly difficult to share what they’ re going through. We’ re confident that our Hi Vis Stress Vests will help get the conversation started.
“ However, we urge construction leaders to go further and equip themselves and employees with the skills to spot signs and start the difficult chats. St John’ s new face-to-face mental health first aid course is interactive and practical, meaning employees find it engaging and leave with the tools to make a real difference to the wellbeing of the people around them.”
Wellbeing manager at construction giant BAM, Rhianwen Conron, recently used the Hi Vis Stress Vests at a session for 10 workers. She said:“ The messages on the back of the vests are very powerful and proved to be effective conversation starters.
“ I’ m fully in support of this campaign. Anything that prompts our people to start opening up is valuable and having something physical to focus on, like these Hi Vis Stress Vests, is hugely helpful.
“ I think every construction company should be training people to hold these kinds of wellbeing conversations.”
Jon Clayden, former project lead at construction giant ISG, which went into administration last year, said:“ The building site is a tough and stressful environment, and whilst over the 30 years I’ ve been in the industry, I’ ve seen some improvements in mental health conversations, we still have a long way to go.
“ I’ ve known people struggling with mental health issues, and the silence often comes from them simply not knowing how to approach it.
“ Mental health first aid training has been a critical experience for me, as it’ s allowed me to spot signs and support my colleagues who find it challenging to speak up. It’ s also given me the skillset to approach them first and show that someone is looking out for them. Having someone to speak to in confidence can be life-saving.” �
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