Suicide Prevention launch at the nVCC classroom

Sacyr partnered with CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) to launch their Take the First Step campaign, in a meeting hosted at the New Velindre Cancer Center (nVCC) build site. 

Customer Engagement Manager at CITB Mark Whitby led the presentation raising awareness, followed by a keynote speech by local MS for Cardiff North Julie Morgan, with members of Welsh Governments Suicide and self-harm policy team also joining the discussion. Also on stage was Liz Thomas-Evans of mental health service NALS (National Advisory and Liaison Service Cymru) who offer free helpline services to those affected by suicide.  

Stakeholder Engagement & Community Benefits Manager Katie Hathaway shared a video shedding light on how members of the construction industry are affected by negative mental health in their daily lives. 

The new initiative, which encourages those working in construction to speak openly about their mental health, is a reaction to the alarming rate at which suicide is taking the lives of those working on site. 

In 2020, the Office for National Statistics reported that on average; construction workers were 3.7 times more likely to commit suicide, making them some of the most at-risk members of society in this area (Source: Office for National Statistics).

From long hours, to rising supply costs, and physically & mentally challenging labour, pressures for those working on site are constant. For these reasons alone, it’s incredibly important to be able to supply important support resources. 

MS Morgan had this to say “It’s good to see the progress of such an important project, and to see the efforts being made to support those struggling with their mental health”.