It is more than timely that the Mental Health Foundation is hosting a mental health awareness week which will focus on kindness, including community support for people affected by mental illness.
CECA, in conjunction with Mates in Mind, are actively involved on a number of fronts in support of mental health initiatives and we are using this week to help signpost members and their families to information and advice should they think they need it. CECA is supporting this important initiative by saying YES to all of our members.
Construction is still a challenging industry to work in and the statistics do not lie. Every single working day in the UK two construction workers take their own life. Stress, depression or anxiety accounts for a fifth of all work-related illness.So, to help in some small way, CECA is asking you to say YES – and help yourself to a better outcome.
Y – You are not alone. It might seem you are the only one who feels like you do, but because we do not share our feelings widely it is possible that someone else, even someone who is close to you, feels the same way. These are strange times – and it is not uncommon to feel a sense of isolation, frustration and despair. So please start the conversation and help yourself and others.
E – Everyone is currently affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Everyone, either through direct or indirect means is affected by the ongoing crisis and will be for some time to come. The current situation is adding extra pressure on already stretched resources and the industry has been uncertain how to react with some sites opening and others not. The advice around social distancing is not very specific and we know this has added extra anxiety to workers. Some are working from home and finding they are juggling added responsibilities and missing co-working interaction.
S – Seek help if you are in need! There is an enormous amount of self-help information, guidance and training available however there are also a number of organisations who have real people who are at the end of the phone and who are there to provide immediate help. Download a list of resources that can help below.
