AFI Supports World Mental Health Awareness Day 2019

Today, the AFI group of companies is proud to support 2019 World Mental Health Day. In May we raised over £3,000 for the Charity Mind during our AFI Mental Health Awareness Week.

According to National Statistics, more than 1,400 construction workers took their own lives between 2011 and 2015. In 2016, the figure was put at 450. The rate is more than three times the UK national average for men. Trades including labourers, plasterers and crane operators are more likely than ever to be signed off sick from anxiety, stress and depression. The UK suicide rate also unexpectedly rose in 2018 after years of steady decline.

 

The response to our 2018 conference, where we focused the conversation on safety when working at height, innovation and mental health issues within the construction industry, was better than we could ever have hoped for and stimulated refreshing new dialogue about how we can improve processes in the construction sector to confront the challenges. In 2018, we tackled the issue of health as well as safety. Over 150 delegates heard from a line-up of engaging and thought leading speakers who didn’t just offer commentary on the issues being faced by the sector, but real insight into the steps needed to provide solutions and practical planning for its changing landscape. Since then we have trained four key Mental Health First Aid (MFHA) Instructors. This training boosts knowledge and confidence in dealing with mental health issues and teaches candidates to identify and actively tackle mental health issues in the workplace. The training has been delivered by Mental Health First Aid England (MHFA) a training and mental health campaigning organisation and the sole organisation in England permitted to provide Mental Health First Aid Instructor Training licensed by Mental Health First Aid International, the global community that has trained over 3 million people.

When worry becomes a problem, when it’s very frequent and it becomes difficult to control or disengage from. We can become trapped in our own thoughts and this can lead to feelings of anxiety. Excessive worrying can affect both your physical and mental health, as well as your daily life. It may interfere with your appetite, sleep, relationships and job performance. If you think you worry too much, then it’s time to seek help from your GP.

Remove the stigma #worldmentalhealthday2019 #itsOKtotalk #theAFIWay

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a training course which teaches people how to identify, understand and help someone who may be experiencing a mental health issue. We run 1 or 2 day courses where you can become a Mental Health First Aider or Champion. Find out more here: https://www.utntraining.co.uk/courses/mentalhealthfirstaid1day