Twenty Twelve Civils Ltd have become supporters of Mates in Mind

Reading the summary of HSE statistics for 2018, I was struck by the number of ‘self-reported’ cases of work-related stress, depression and anxiety, recorded as 0.6 million. Up 100,000 from 2016, when I had last looked, in a total workforce of around 32 million. 

Over the years, I have watched this particular statistic rise, accelerated since 2008, while more traditional causes of workplace absence, e.g. musculoskeletal injuries have seen little or no change.

Perhaps we are reluctant to challenge absence related to mental health issues, are generally more aware of mental health issues in the workplace, or perhaps those suffering mental health issues are more aware that to internalise any issues will probably only make things worse.

In a traditionally male dominated workforce, I haven’t heard ‘man up’ or ‘pull yourself together’ for a long while, so obviously a greater awareness appears to exist.

Having worked in the construction industry for over 45 years and in Health and Safety since 2004, I do not get phased by much; however, I am the first to admit I do lack ‘Competence’ (for want of a better word and using the legal interpretation) in managing mental health issues within our companies and for this reason, have turned to ‘Mates in Mind’ to offer the guidance, support and resources to assist me in going forward.

I had known about the existence of ‘Mates in Mind’ for a while, but it was only after attending a Health, Safety and Environmental seminar, in October 2019, organised by ‘Outsmart’, (The trade association for Out of Home advertising) where ‘Mates in Mind’ gave a presentation, I decided that Twenty Twelve Civils Ltd should become a ‘Supporter’.

Having access to the resources, services and support of ‘Mates in Mind’, I now feel more confident in handling mental health issues that may arise within our company.

Jon Hipkin.

21/11/2019.