The NHS Wales Suicide Prevention and Self Harm Programme has partnered with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) to roll out a campaign across construction sites in Wales that raises awareness of suicide and signposts people to support that is available.
Male suicide rates in Wales are more than three times the rate of women and there is increasing recognition of suicide risk amongst construction industry workers, particularly in its largely male workforce.
There are a number of factors that contribute to suicide risk in the industry, including job insecurity driven by short-term contracts, fatigue from long working hours, financial pressures, workplace culture that discourages conversations about mental health, and alcohol and substance use as a coping strategy. Stigma associated with mental health challenges often prevents people from seeking support until they are in crisis. Early help and support are vital to support recovery and improve outcomes.
It is hoped the campaign will get people talking about suicide and mental health, reducing stigma and encouraging help-seeking.
A poster campaign is being rolled out across construction sites in Wales, and other resources, such as short ‘toolbox talks’ on suicide awareness training, are being developed as part of the initiative.
Dr Chris O’Connor, Clinical Lead in the Strategic Programme for Mental Health at NHS Wales Performance and Improvement, said:
“Stigma can be a huge barrier to people accessing mental health support. We hope that by raising awareness of suicide risk and mental health, and signposting support offerings available, we will encourage people working in the construction industry to have important conversations about their wellbeing, support each other and feel confident in being able to reach out for support.”
Julia Stevens, Engagement Director for Wales at the Construction Industry Training Board, added:
“There has been lots of positive progress in the construction sector in recent years to raise awareness of mental health challenges, reduce stigma and enhance access to support. This initiative is one of many taking place across the industry to improve mental health and wellbeing. We’re proud that this campaign will further build on this momentum to help us create meaningful change. It’s vital that we look after our workforce and create the right culture where people can access to support without fear of stigma, ultimately saving lives.”
The initiative has been launched at two events, the first at the site of the new Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff overseen by Sacyr, one of the biggest construction projects Wales has seen in decades, which is due to open in Spring 2027. Julie Morgan, Member of the Senedd for Cardiff North, attended the event, sharing ambitions for people to be able to speak freely without fear of stigma. The second event has taken place in North Wales on the site of a new school in Flintshire.
Earlier this year, Welsh Government published a new ten-year Suicide Prevention and Self-Harm Strategy. One of the key objectives of the strategy is about empowering people, removing stigma, helping people to talk or listen to each other about suicide and self-harm, and to seek support when needed.
