A leading suicide prevention charity has joined forces with a national housebuilder to confront a mental health emergency within the UK construction sector.
Stark Statistics Prompt Action
The collaboration between Andy’s Man Club and Persimmon Homes saw a special event held at the MKM Stadium in Hull. Josh Anderson, who leads the charity's efforts in East Yorkshire, delivered a candid presentation to a group of Persimmon's site managers. The talk aimed to directly inform frontline employees of the support available to them, including the peer-to-peer groups run by Andy's Man Club.
This initiative responds to a long-standing and severe crisis in the industry. Recent statistics reveal a devastating toll: as many as two construction workers take their own life every working day. This rate is approximately four times higher than the national average for the wider population.
A Personal and Powerful Message
Josh Anderson referenced the poignant 'Project 7,000 - The Lost City' campaign, which highlights that 7,000 people in the construction industry have died by suicide in the last decade. "I was delighted to be invited to discuss mental wellbeing, especially with so many males working in construction," Anderson said. "It’s great to be able to speak to workers about how Andy's Man Club can help raise awareness."
Scott Waters, Persimmon's regional managing director, expressed gratitude for Anderson's personal and powerful contribution. "We are all too aware of the need to address poor mental health across construction," Waters stated. "It was powerful to hear Josh talk so candidly about some of the issues he has faced personally."
Building a Network of Support
The event underscores a wider industry push to improve working environments and provide accessible mental health support. Persimmon confirmed it is working with mental health organisations at both national and regional levels to enhance its internal support services.
"As a national housebuilder," Waters added, "we're working to implement better support internally but also help signpost people to the fantastic support offered by charities like Andy’s Man Club." This partnership represents a crucial step in breaking down stigma and ensuring vital lifelines reach those who need them most on construction sites across the country.
