In 2017, a total of 5,821 suicides were recorded in the UK. Of these, 75% were male and 25% were female. The construction industry is particularly affected by this illness, more than a quarter of construction employees in the UK have considered taking their own life. Data has also shown that one in every seven workers know a colleague who has taken their own life and many more workers have considered it.
Things are getting better but sadly, there is still some stigma around this health issue and it is therefore not always openly discussed, meaning many suffer in silence and don’t get the help they need. It is for this reason why we have decided to continue supporting Rethink as our corporate charity.
Rethink are a charity that provides support and information to thousands of people affected by mental illness, as well as campaigning to change policy and public attitudes.
Last month was Mental Health Awareness Week. In order to show our support, we hosed a number of stress relieving activities on site and in the office. These activities included massages, exercise classes, chill out rooms, site stand downs, bring your dog to work day, a cake sale and a raffle prize draw.
Huge thank you to our suppliers for taking part and to Eurotec and Eden Caterers for donating cakes and prizes.
We look forward to supporting Rethink in the future.