Suicide stigma broken down by Mates in Construction program

In an effort to prevent suicide among construction workers, more funding has been provided for the Mates in Construction program.

Using prevention and early intervention strategies, this program has received bipartisan support from unions and employers.

Funding was obtained through an NHMRC partnership project, with support also provided by major industry sponsor Cbus Super, CPB contractors and Multiplex.

While the program has made some good inroads, it still requires some scientific evaluation.

“It shows a lot of promise,” said Mates in Construction Academic Director Dr Allison Milner, from the University of Melbourne’s Centre for Health Equity.

Suicide is difficult to discuss, particularly among men in blue collar jobs. Dr Milner said programs such as Mates in Construction aim to break down those barriers and prevent the devastating effects of suicide.

“It’s something that should be discussed … in a mindful way. There’s no evidence that talking about suicide makes people suicidal,” she said.

The Building Employees Redundancy Trust established the Mates in Construction charity in 2008. The workplace-focused program is delivered at construction sites or company offices.

It aims to reduce stigma, encourages help-seeking and help-offering, and presents suicide as preventable. Mates in Construction is currently operating in SA, WA, NSW and Queensland.

This grant feeds into a larger program of work Milner is conducting on suicide among employed men, which is funded by a Victorian Health and Medical Research Fellowship.

“Suicide is something that affects a lot of people,” she said.

“But we know we can prevent it. We know we can make a difference.”

If you need help, contact Lifeline: lifeline.org.au or 13 11 14.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/ribkhan