SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) has told Project Scotland that it is ‘extremely impressed’ by the construction sector’s collective desire to tackle mental health within the industry.
The comments follow the launch of new suicide prevention workshops developed by the charity in collaboration with Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Scotland.
Backed by £239,000 in funding from the CITB’s Industry Impact Fund, the half-day courses are free to anyone working in construction – from site supervisors and tradespeople to HR professionals and sole traders.
The course has been curated by construction professionals, with SAMH forming a specialised focus group comprising site workers, office-based staff, health and safety specialists, and senior leaders to shape the teachings, ensuring it is specific to the needs of the sector.
The training aims to tackle stigma, raise awareness, and equip participants with the confidence to recognise potential warning signs of suicide and start supportive conversations with colleagues.
“The construction sector was an industry we found particularly hard to reach initially,” Nicole Burke, senior workplace business development manager at SAMH, told Project Scotland. “However, through the support of the CITB Industry Impact Fund and the backing of Barratt and David Wilson Homes North, we’ve been able to really break into the sector in a way that we weren’t able to ourselves – and I think when a sector is so willing to learn and support mental health it allows us to make a real difference on site and also reach more people who might be struggling.”
Some 70 construction professionals took part in a pilot phase of the suicide prevention workshops prior to the official launch, with 100% reporting satisfaction with the course and an increased confidence in spotting warning signs.
“That really spoke volumes to us right from the offset in terms of how important this course can be,” Nicole added. “We have seen workers genuinely eager to look out for their colleagues which is what makes the training so powerful.”
As well as helping those already on site become better equipped to deal with mental health issues, the course is also tipped to help prepare a new generation of workers to enter the industry ready to provide help.
“The interest and demand we have had from construction-related lecturers in colleges and universities has been really surprising, but also amazing,” Nicole said. “What that’s allowing us to do is have an early intervention – so educating people early, making them aware that it is okay to speak up about mental health and be open if they’re struggling – and that’s before they are working full-time on site.”
Recognised as an entry-level course, the workshop is complemented by Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), which is a two-day interactive workshop that equips individuals with the skills to carry out suicide first aid – allowing them to help someone in distress and put a plan in place to make sure they’re immediately safe.
Anyone working or studying in Scotland’s construction industry can register for the free suicide prevention workshops. To sign up contact ciif.training@samh.org.uk, or find out more visit: www.samh.org.uk/get-involved/workplace/training/construction-suicide-prevention-training
SAMH has also launched the first of its national network of walk-in mental health support hubs in Glasgow, with more set to follow across Scotland in 2026. The Nook offers free, walk-in mental health support with skilled and compassionate staff.
Although not aimed solely at construction, Jude Deacons, project manager at SAMH, told Project Scotland that The Nook is designed to remove some of the barriers which may prevent people accessing support.
“The Nook will be open seven days a week, reflecting the many ways people work, live, and learn,” she explained. “Making sure there is availability across the full week is the big thing for us. There’s no appointment or referral required, people can just walk in at a time that’s convenient to them. Hopefully it supports people within construction to be able to visit The Nook at a suitable time for themselves.”
Opened at Brunswick House in Glasgow city centre, the first Nook was built by Taylor & Fraser, with SAMH working alongside property and construction consultants Shepherd and Hardies on the project.
Feedback found that people wanted a space that was safe, non-clinical, welcoming, and inclusive. This led to the creation of an open entrance, with no reception desk and a clear line of sight into The Nook, so visitors know what to expect. The design is purposefully familiar, with language and objects that conjure up a sense of home like a kitchen table, living room, snugs, sheds and family room.
“The biggest thing is getting in as early as possible to have that conversation,” Jude added. “If you’re feeling a bit low or just not feeling yourself, or if you are concerned about a loved one or someone you work with, that’s the time to visit The Nook. Our team will be ready to listen and begin to explore the different ways we can support.”
The Nook can be found at Brunswick House, 51 Wilson Street, Glasgow, G1 1UZ and is open for walk-ins 10am-5pm Mon-Fri and 10am-4pm on weekends, with additional booked appointment slots and special activities taking place between 5pm-7pm on weeknights. Further locations are planned for Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Inverclyde, and Lanarkshire over the next two years.
