This week North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) is proud to launch a 6-week campaign to support the mental health of people in the construction industry.
The campaign was developed in response to growing concerns about the number of tradies in our region who have been doing it tough, even before the pandemic and the recent lockdowns. We are particularly concerned about people running their own businesses or contracting, who often carry the load on their own.
Our region is growing fast, with many new homes, suburbs and infrastructure projects under construction. People working in the construction industry often experience job insecurity, less work flexibility, long hours and tough physical working conditions. Stigma about seeking help also contributes to poor mental health in this industry. Sole traders and their families are most in need of help because they often don’t have access to the support that larger companies, unions or trade organisations can provide.
“People are struggling through the challenges of operating small businesses and the Covid environment has had particular impacts, and also managing the family work balance.” – Brad Pearce, Director, Priority Populations Health and Wellbeing, NWMPHN.
The campaign asks tradies to seek help early and is also talks to their mates and families, so that they can find out how to help. We know that seeking help early leads to better mental health outcomes. We also know that the more connected a person is to family, friends and workmates, the more they are able to manage their own health and wellbeing and get life back on track.
The campaign directs tradies to HeadtoHelp – a one stop shop to help tradies find the right support for them. HeadtoHelp services can be accessed by calling the 1800 595 212 central intake number.
The campaign was designed in collaboration with partners from construction and health organisations such as HALT, Incolink, Victorian Aboriginal Health Service, United Project Solutions, Mates in Construction and Beyond Blue. Creative ideas were tested with people working in a range of trades, and all of the people in the campaign are tradies.
For more information visit headtohelp.org.au/tradies
To help share the campaign visit nwmphn.org.au/tradies
