Aggregate Industries on combating mental health issues in the construction industry

In the UK, 70 million days are lost from work each year due to mental health, making it the leading cause of sickness absence. Aggregate Industries is one of many companies to recognise this by introducing a Mental Health First Aid initiative, first set up in partnership with Mental Health First Aid England in 2014.

Over 250 Aggregate Industries’ employees have now undertaken the mental health awareness course. The three hour programme examines how mental health is defined and considers how individuals can look after their own mental health and wellbeing, in addition to supporting colleagues and relating to other people’s experiences.

If the 250 that have undertaken the course, 50 have since gone on to train as a Mental Health First Aider and are now able to provide help on a first aid basis and offer guidance.

The company has subsequently launched Health Assured, an employee assistance telephone service aimed at providing support to employees to help them balance work and home life. Free to use for all employees, the 24/7 service provides confidential support in all areas of life from family issues, to lifestyle addictions or financial worries. 

Joanna Hankinson, HR Business Partner at Aggregate Industries, commented: “As a business, by taking a more open and supportive approach to mental health, we hope to help our employees to increase their resilience to stress-related conditions and reduce the impact on both them and our organisation. We are very grateful to Mental Health First Aid England for their support.”

World Mental Health Day will take place on 10th October to support global mental health education, awareness and advocacy. Find out more here.

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