Bewley Homes has continued its commitment to mental health awareness by introducing a number of initiatives designed to support colleagues whether they are working in the office, on-site or at home.
The company has trained nine mental health first aiders and mental health champions from all areas of the business to support colleagues and contractors who will have an understanding of common mental health issues, have the knowledge and confidence to advocate for mental health awareness, have the ability to spot signs of mental ill health and the skills to support positive well-being.
The construction sector has been associated with high levels of mental health problems, such as stress, burnout, increased depressive symptoms, and suicide.
A survey conducted by Construction News found that 55% of more than 1,000 UK construction workers who responded had experienced mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and stress, at some point in their lives, and 42% reported having suffered from mental health problems at work. Both figures are more than twice the UK national average.
When asked about becoming a mental health first aid champion, Emily Corfield, development manager, land department for Bewley, said: “I believe supporting people’s mental health is the baseline for everything, and maintaining positive mental health can make a huge difference to anyone’s life.”
“The course has taught me that mental health issues can vary hugely and are caused by a variety of factors, sometimes in combination. I have also learnt that most people are likely to experience periods of poor mental health at some point in their life and that it’s something that can be supported greatly through communication and open discussion about how people are doing, including when we are feeling great!”
David Oakey, Sales Executive at Bewley, was asked why Mental Health Awareness Week was so important: “There are only a few issues in the zeitgeist which genuinely affects every single one of us, and one of those issues is our mental health. It touches all aspects of our lives, both personal and professional and to be educated on how to manage not only your own mental health but help other people with theirs is probably one of the smartest things that we can do at this time.”
To mark Mental Health Awareness Week this year, Bewley has organised a number of initiatives to help staff strike up a conversation, including encouraging walking and talking at lunchtime, a dress-down day to raise money for charity and morning coffee or tea at head office and refreshments will be arranged for site staff to spend time together. Throughout the week, mental health first aiders will visit sites and head office for a ‘Time to Talk’ session, while information on mental health and where to find support and advice will be sent out on a daily basis.
Angela Terrett, HR Manager at Bewley commented: “Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event where there is an opportunity to raise awareness. This year the focus is on anxiety which affects everyone in one way or another. As an employer, we want to promote good mental health and well-being for our employees and their families by providing the best possible support.”
This year, Bewley is making a donation to Lighthouse Club, a charity that supports construction workers and their families through tough times.
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