Partnership to enhance mental health support in construction

MATES in Construction, a charity dedicated to reducing suicide in the Australian construction industry, has partnered with EMLO Group (EML), a specialist in personal injury claims management in Australia. The two-year collaboration aims to bolster mental health support in the construction sector. With EML’s funding, MATES will add two field officers in New South Wales, thereby expanding its capacity to offer on-site support and training. This initiative could positively influence the lives of approximately 2300 construction workers annually.

Brad Parker, CEO of MATES in Construction NSW, said this partnership could allow the charity to extend its reach and provide more targeted, effective mental health interventions to construction workers. “Together, we’re not just building structures; we’re building a more resilient, mentally healthy workforce,” Parker said.

The partnership aligns with the objectives of the Australian Building and Construction Industry’s Blueprint for Better Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. The new field officers will provide customised training and on-site sessions, with an emphasis on mental health and suicide prevention strategies. Daniel Walton, EML Group Executive, said the partnership will help MATES extend services and support even further, providing construction workers with additional access to critical suicide prevention services.

EML will also provide a custom-developed mental health strategy using the MATES Blueprint model. This strategy will involve a comprehensive on-site delivery model, engaging all levels of the business ecosystem, from head offices to construction sites and contractors. EML’s role in introducing its clients to MATES will help each organisation develop their own mental health plan based on the Construction Industry Blueprint assessment tool. MATES will also share its expertise with EML’s claims teams and support office staff, to enhance their understanding of the risks of suicide within the construction sector.

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