Men in the UK are three times more likely to die by suicide than women. However in construction – a male dominated industry– men are three times more likely to die by suicide than the national average for men.

Construction work has a variety of pressures from tight contracts to long hours, time away from loved-ones and managing budgets, not to mention the added stresses of the pandemic and now the rising costs of supplies. Additionally, within construction lies a "macho" culture which prevents many workers from seeking support and help when they may need it, putting further stress on their own mental health and wellbeing. 

In the summer of 2021, a number of organisations in the construction sector in NI got together to discuss how we could assist with the poor mental health of workers that is prevalent in the sector and the Building Mental Health Alliance (BMHA) was formed.

This initiative signposts sources of help to all in the industry, whether a person is in crisis or would just like to find out more about how they can improve their mental health. 

CAUSE is one of the many support organisations listed on the BMHA website and recently CAUSE Carer Advocate, Amy Robinson (pictured below) presented at the BMHA conference in Newtownabbey highlighting the challenges that our carers face and the support we offer.

CAUSE Carer Advocates Val and Vicky were presenting at the BMHA conference in Omagh.

If you would like any more information on the Building Mental Health Alliance click here