KEEPMOAT has partnered with the Lighthouse Charity to train 60 mental health first aiders across its business.
Spanning both the housebuilder’s office and on-site staff, the training equips employees with the skills and confidence to recognise the signs of mental health challenges.
The focus comes at a critical time for the construction industry, with 97% of workers reporting experiencing stress; 70% have faced depression; and more than a quarter (26%) have had suicidal thoughts, yet only 29% feel comfortable speaking about mental health with their employer.
Keepmoat champions industry-wide change through their partnership with Lighthouse, reinforcing its dedication to improving standards of wellbeing across the construction sector.
Debbie Waddington, group HR director at Keepmoat, said, “Having 60 mental health first aiders within our business is a significant step forward in our journey to create a truly supportive working environment.
“At Keepmoat, we know that mental health challenges can affect anyone, at any time and having trained colleagues available across our sites and offices ensures that support is always within reach.
“By investing in our people in this way, we are not only strengthening our workplace culture, but helping to break down stigma and encourage open, honest conversations about mental wellbeing.”
The milestone builds on Keepmoat’s ‘valuing difference’ initiative, a HR framework focused on creating a more inclusive workplace, ensuring that every employee feels supported, valued and able to thrive.
Keepmoat has also recently strengthened its support for industry wellbeing initiatives with a £10,000 donation to the Lighthouse Charity, helping to fund vital mental health and financial support services for construction workers and their families.
Andrew Preece, customer services director at Keepmoat, Yorkshire West recently completed the mental health first aid training with the Lighthouse team. He said, “As someone who has worked in the sector for many years, I have seen first-hand the pressures that can come with the job.
“I also know the devastating effect mental health can have on a family, after my brother-in-law, who was also my best man, took his own life. I volunteered to become a mental health first aider to ensure I can help in even the smallest way.
“It’s important that people know they’re not alone and there’s always someone to talk to. Having mental health first aiders on site means support is there in the moment when it’s needed most, whether someone is going through a difficult time or facing a mental health crisis. Being able to step in, listen and help guide a colleague to the right support can make a real difference.”
Sarah Bolton CEO of the Lighthouse Charity added, “Keepmoat’s continuing support of our charity is amazing and their donation ensures that we can continue to deliver vital emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support across the construction community. Ensuring that their teams have access to trained mental health first aiders also underpins their commitment to provide support and a safe space where people feel able to start open conversations about any issues they are struggling with.”
If you or anyone you know is struggling, reach out for 24/7 free and confidential support now;
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24/7 helplines; 0345 605 1956, (UK) 1800 939 122 (ROI)
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Live chat www.lighthousecharity.org
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Text HARDHAT to 85258 (UK) or 50808 (ROI)
