Every week nearly 36 Australian men take their own lives, several of them will be construction workers.
Constructions workers are six times more likely to die from suicide than an accident at work and apprentices are up to two times more likely to take their own lives than other young Australian men.
MATES in Construction is an industry-led approach to an industry problem helping men on the ground, in their workplaces, to seek help and get better.
We enjoy the support of key unions and employer associations making MATES in Construction a genuine bi-partisan approach to an important industry issue.
There are now 5,500 volunteers on construction sites across Australia who are trained to recognise the signs a co-worker isn’t well.
And it’s working.
Research shows the program has reduced suicide rates in the construction industry in areas it has been introduced.
So far MATES in Construction has reached over 80,000 workers but there are almost a million construction workers in Australia.
To reach more lives, and help our mates get help – we need your support.
For more information on how to help your mates, visit our website, www.mates.org.au
Suicide is everyone’s business.