Men's Mental Health Awareness Month
As the month of June draws to a close, marking Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, it's particularly relevant to highlight this issue in the construction industry, a male-dominated field where the nature of the work and the culture can significantly impact mental health. At Amiri, we want to emphasise that "You are not alone; we all stand together."
Did you know that 1 in 8 men struggle with mental health issues such as anxiety or depression? Recent statistics indicate that over 700 UK construction workers commit suicide every year: an average of two a day. Men are three times more likely to commit suicide than women, and the construction workforce is predominantly male.
We are very proud to have three mental health first aiders within our company. Our employees can approach these trained individuals to discuss any mental health issues or emotional distress they may be experiencing. At Amiri, we also provide private medical care, including an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). This programme offers additional support for our team, including practical advice on issues that might be impacting their wellbeing. An EAP generally includes face-to-face, telephone, or online counselling and expert support on both personal and work-related issues. Together, our aim is to take further steps to create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
We are also taking more proactive measures to support our employees by introducing a new confidential email address. This will enable our team to communicate privately, seek advice, and receive additional support, including professional guidance.
Let's continue working together to break down the stigmas surrounding mental health. Together, we can build a healthier and more resilient team.