This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and at BKHS we are proud to take mental health and this year's theme, 'Movement: Moving more for our mental health', seriously.
Over 15% of our office staff have undertaken Mental Health Awareness training and are either Mental Health Champions or Mental Health First Aiders.
Champions are educated on how to spot the signs that a colleague is struggling mentally and refer them to one of our Mental Health First Aiders - of which we have ten and counting. Our MHFAs have undertaken a more in-depth course and have the confidence and knowledge to offer guidance and signpost further help.
Why is being a Mental Health First Aider such a vital role?
Paul Daubney, BKHS Health & Safety Advisor:
“Being a MHFA has taught me a lot, inside and outside of the workplace. I became a Mental Health First Aider because I wanted to try and understand those around me who suffer with mental health issues better, and the biggest thing it has taught me is how to listen. Mental Health in the construction industry is a real issue that cannot and must not be ignored”.
Shane Minham, BKHS Production Controller:
“I became a Mental Health First Aider mainly because I wanted to help others. I’ve seen what struggling with mental health can look like first hand, and I know that training can and will save lives. The training was a real eye opener, and I was shocked to learn how many people suffer. Now I am a better listener and as a MHFA I have been approached several times for advice”.
Gurjit Purewal, H&S and Quality Assistant:
“MHFA training is very important for employees to know the help and support available to them. I became a Mental Health First Aider because I wanted to gain knowledge and skills and learn how to spot someone who is struggling. The training has definitely helped me to feel more confident in supporting those that require help – but more awareness and education is still needed!”.
To help raise awareness, a group of B&K Hybrid Solutions and B&K Structures staff joined together for a lunchtime walk around a local park, to discover the benefits exercise can have on our both our mental and physical health. It was fantastic to see staff bonding outside of the office and discussing mental health so openly!
We also held a Bake Sale to raise money for The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity - the only charity that provides emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to the construction community and their families – where we raised nearly £150. Staff worked hard to bake sweet and savoury treats that certainly proved that life is all about balance.
Thank you to everyone who took part in the day and helped raise awareness of the importance of Mental Health.
You can find out more about Mental Health in the Construction industry, and get support here: https://www.lighthouseclub.org/
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