TO mark Mental Health Awareness Week, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has revealed it has supported over 52,000 construction workers to complete mental health training since 2018.
The courses provide training to educate and equip individuals with the knowledge to recognise mental health issues developing and start practical conversations.
Since 2018, CITB has allocated over £1.5 million to mental health projects and more than £1.3 million in grants to support mental health first aid and awareness courses.
The training schemes supported through the organisation’s Grants Scheme are designed t0 help raise awareness of mental health issues, helping people in the industry understand the challenges their colleagues may be facing.
Alongside the Grants Scheme, CITB revealed it has helped to advance mental health support within the construction industry, including through initiatives such as Building Mental Health with the Lighthouse Club and the mental health for construction apprentices’ projects.
Tim Balcon, CEO, CITB said, “There’s no getting away from the fact that the construction industry is facing a mental health crisis, and we all need to be collectively addressing this issue. It’s encouraging to see the large numbers of people completing mental health awareness and first aid training, and I urge others in the industry to complete mental health courses also.
“We need to look after our workforce. When all workers can access support, without fear of stigma, lives will be saved and attracting new entrants will be easier. This is why CITB is actively supporting mental health schemes within the construction industry and will continue to do so by collaborating with key industry stakeholders to ensure everyone has access to mental health resources.”
Find out more about CITB’s mental health awareness training here, and find out more about CITB’s mental health first aid training here.
More resources on identifying and addressing mental health issues are available through Mates in Mind.
