NEW high-vis vests aimed at addressing mental health concerns in the housebuilding sector are being made available to all Taylor Wimpey employees to wear on site.
The move comes as part of a project by Taylor Wimpey’s graduate cohort, which is currently competing in The Prince’s Trust million makers competition which aims to support disadvantaged youths across the UK.
The initiative challenges teams from companies across the country to take part in a ‘Dragon’s Den-style’ competition to create business ideas that generate funds for The Prince’s Trust.
The new-style vests were developed by the graduates following their engagement and research with Andy’s Man Club, a men’s suicide prevention charity. They also collaborated with The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, which provides a helpline for those who feel they need support with their wellbeing. The charity’s Hardhat helpline, which provides access to a wide of support that it can provide, is featured prominently on the reverse of every high-vis vest.
Over 2,000 vests have been made available to Taylor Wimpey’s business units across the UK, and over 25% of these have been purchased by its two Scottish regions in east and west of Scotland. In total, the initiative has raised over £15,000 for The Princes Trust.
Brian Henderson, production director for Taylor Wimpey West Scotland, said, “We’re very proud of this year’s graduate cohort in enhancing a product that is essential for the general safety of our operatives on-site. They have created an effective way of reinforcing that everyone’s wellbeing is incredibly important to us and that there are ways to get help while also raising funds for The Prince’s Trust.”
Tommy Stirling, production director for Taylor Wimpey East Scotland, added, “These new high-vis vests convey a very important health and safety message in a very clear, simple and effective way, and I’m impressed with the process that our graduates completed to develop their idea. The new high-vis vests are a great way to promote how people can get support if they need it, and I know our teams on-site are proud to be wearing them knowing that each vest has also raised funds for The Prince’s Trust.”
