“One in four people in the UK will have a mental health problem at some point in their lifetime.”
This was the bold message conveyed to FDS Group employees by David Keen of Kentec Training Limited at a recent First Aid for Mental Health presentation.
Mental health is about how we think, feel and behave, with anxiety and depression being recognised as the most common mental health issues. Work can often intensify feelings of stress, anxiety and depression, especially if the correct support networks are not in place.
Work-related stress is a major issue in the UK, with many companies still not recognising the issue, often even attaching stigma to it. Despite this, it is the responsibility of the employer to offer help to their employees.
Worryingly figures from national statistics show that in the UK construction industry, more than 450 workers had taken their lives in 2016. In 2018 the rate was more than three times the national average for men between the ages of 45-49 and had risen in total by 10.9% from the previous year (Samaritans). Unfortunately, this issue is only intensifying, particularly within the construction industry.
FDS Group recognises that many of our employees fall within the ‘high-risk’ category and as a result have recently opened the doors to a new training initiative which saw two employees gain their level 3 mental health first aid certificate. The scheme will provide all members of staff with the support they require whilst raising awareness for mental health within the company.
We hope that our continued work with companies such as Kentec Training will help to alleviate the stigma regarding mental health in the workplace.
References:
