Mental Health Matters

Recent research from the Office of National Statistics uncovered a sobering statistic: men in the UK construction industry are almost four times more likely to take their own lives compared to men on average.

Mental Health Matters

At Baxall, we are committed to supporting the welfare of all our staff – including mental health and emotional wellbeing. To date we have 15 Baxall employees who are trained Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAs); all voluntarily undertook an MHFA England-approved course delivered by The Lighthouse Club, a charity dedicated to supporting the UK construction industry’s workforce and families.

With a further 21 employees having completed The Lighthouse Club’s half-day Mental Health Awareness course we now have an impressive 22% of our staff who are MHFA England-trained.

Shining the spotlight on mental health

The Lighthouse Club was formed in the 1950s to give aid and assistance to ill or injured construction workers. In addition to a free and confidential 24/7 construction industry hotline the charity offers free resources to support the industry, including advice on occupational health and mental wellbeing.

Taking mental health seriously

We don’t just pay lip service when it comes to mental health matters; we hold regular Mental Health Working Groups during which staff from across Baxall discuss proactive ways we can support employees’ mental wellbeing. We also identify opportunities for us as a company to support charities and other organisations to raise the awareness of mental health and reduce the stigma attached.

“As a MHFA England Instructor I see the negative impact that mental ill health issues can have in the workplace – especially within the construction industry. I’m heartened to see Baxall are committed to taking the mental health and wellbeing of its staff and employers seriously.

“It was also refreshing to see Baxall’s senior directors and the managing director complete the course on mental health awareness. Evidence suggests that if managers/directors have knowledge about mental health challenges, employees are more willing to open up and talk to someone about their issues.

“I wish that there were more forward thinking companies like Baxall.”