With the launch of new mental health-related training courses, the BMF is offering new support structures to merchant businesses.
Perceptions around mental health are gradually changing, but while awareness of the issue has improved, the key to real change is to break down the stigma surrounding the subject in order to encourage more people to feel comfortable seeking help.
We all have role to play, from members of the royal family, sporting heroes and showbiz celebrities supporting initiatives such Public Health England’s ‘Every Mind Matters’ campaign, to you and me supporting friends, family and colleagues.
Businesses must also recognise that there are tangible benefits in looking after their most important asset — their staff. By providing health and wellbeing services in the workplace they can help to lower absence rates, increase productivity and improve employee engagement. This applies to the building materials supply industry as much as — or possibly more than — any other.
The Office for National Statistics reports more suicides in construction than any other. Over a five-year period, to the end of 2015, 1,409 men and 10 women committed suicide within the construction industry. The number of suicides in construction is now actually six times higher than deaths from falls from height.
The BMF put mental health centre stage at its All Industry Conference in June and has subsequently announced a charity partnership with Mental Health UK and Samaritans to raise vital funds for these organisations.
“The BMF is actively promoting training to raise awareness to help tackle the rising number of people struggling with their mental health. It is time for every organisation in our industry to take a proactive approach to their mental health provisions.”
Of equal importance, the BMF is actively promoting training to raise awareness to help tackle the rising number of people struggling with their mental health. It is time for every organisation in our industry to take a proactive approach to their mental health provisions.
The BMF has assigned TT Training Academy to support both its own staff and BMF members, initially with a choice of two one-day courses — First Aid Mental Health Training, and a Mental Health Awareness and Wellbeing day.
TT Training’s professional First Aid Mental Health Training course has been approved by the National Counselling Society. Several BMF team members have already undertaken the training and as First Aid Champions are able to support those struggling with mental health issues. The BMF is running this course for members on 14 November.
Meanwhile, TT’s Mental Health Awareness and Wellbeing day comprises six interactive workshops, designed to provide a greater awareness of mental health issues and the importance of our own mental wellbeing. The day provides practical strategies and tools to bolster mental, emotional and physical resilience. This course is suitable for every member of staff in any organisation.
The training academy itself has a proven track record of delivering outstanding mental health training. Its team of trainers and counsellors have a wealth of experience, delivering mental health and resilience training; as well as extensive one-to-one support to those that have additional needs.
TT’s Managing Director Suzanne Skeete has made it her mission to raise awareness of the extensive mental health issues people are facing every day, saying: “We are passionate about organisations getting proactive to increase their mental health awareness and put the necessary support in place to ensure that those struggling get all the help that they need.
“We are thrilled to be working with the BMF and its members to provide professional mental health training and support. Together we can make such a difference within an industry that has one of the highest rates of suicide in the UK.”
Book your place on The First Aid Mental Health Training Day course taking place on 14 November at BMF HQ in Coventry. Contact paige.godsell@bmf.org.ukor on 02456 854980, or visit www.bmf.org.uk/training
For more information about mental health training and support, visit www.tttrainingacademy.com or contact suzanne@tappytwins.com
