“
The mental health awareness courses are good add-ons for workplace, health and safety, and equalities reps as they overlap with all three roles and I'd strongly recommend coming along to the training
Unite Education tutor
” Suz Muna
lot of reps from the building industry. “There are always reps from the construction sector on the MHA courses we run and they face a combination of challenges. Many work away from home and are away from their support networks of family and friends, and from the comforts of home.”
As construction workers all know, the work is physical and often outdoors in extreme weather with long hours, but long term projects such as HPC have additional stresses, as Suz explained: “Reps tell us that loneliness and isolation can be a big factor in declining mental health. Some seek solace in addictive behaviours such as gambling, drinking or drugs, which in turn has a negative impact on their self-esteem, physical, and mental health.”
“The consequences can be extreme, for example there have been suicides on construction sites.” Working with the Unite reps on
courses is a good way to share good practise and ideas - and not just from the construction sector. Reps in the sessions have talked of a big focus on mental wellbeing.
Suz highlights some of the workplaces initiatives that have been discussed, such as reps: “
...getting their companies to train up and publicise Mental Health First Aiders, creating gardens and quiet spaces to de-pressure, negotiating with management to support those who are being treated for mental health conditions rather than penalise them, training union mental health buddies, and helping members speak openly and without shame about mental health problems.”
The Unites MHA course helps reps develop skills to support colleagues by sharing ideas, understanding the symptoms of mental ill health. As well as practical tools like mental health audits, mental health risk assessment, negotiating and campaigning skills.
23 Unite buildingWORKER Spring 2024
Suz summed up saying that: “The mental health awareness courses are good add-ons for workplace, health and safety, and equalities reps as they overlap with all three roles and I'd strongly recommend coming along to the training.”
This is a view that Luke agrees with, saying: “The mental health awareness course was enjoyable as it helps people learn and connect with colleagues. The skills learnt help create a more supportive and caring workplace.”
He added: “A big thank you to the lecturers for their hard work in teaching us how to support each other in mental health matters. Your efforts make our workplaces better.”
Unite runs Mental Health A wareness training in all its regions
and to find out more go to the Unite Education website
http://tinyurl.com/2pb9cwmb
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