Five Ways To Support A Mate This National Suicide Prevention Month

National Suicide Prevention Month takes place throughout September and is an opportunity to remind ourselves that conversations can have a bigger impact than we might realise. For those working within the construction industry, National Suicide Prevention Month is also a chance to think about how we can look out for the people around us, particularly when someone might be finding things difficult.

Construction is built on teamwork. You know the person who always has your back when you’re on a job, the one who lends you a tool when yours has gone missing, or the mate who makes a long, difficult shift feel a little easier. Sometimes, looking out for each other means noticing when something isn’t quite right.

Five Simple Ways To Support A Mate

You don’t need to be a mental health expert to support someone. In fact, National Suicide Prevention Month is a useful reminder that some of the most important things we can do are also the simplest.

1. Start the conversationIf your mate doesn’t seem quite themselves, don’t be afraid to ask how they’re doing. National Suicide Prevention Month is the perfect way to open the door. It could be over a brew, in the van or whilst you’re packing up at the end of the day.

   You don’t need to have the perfect words. A simple “You alright?” or “You seem a bit off, everything okay?” can open the door.

   If they don’t want to talk straight away, that’s okay. Let them know you’re there when they’re ready.

2. Actually listenSometimes, people don’t need you to fix everything. They just need someone to listen without judgement.

   If a mate does open up, give them your time and let them talk. You don’t need to have all the answers or know exactly what to say. Taking someone seriously and showing them they’re not alone can make a huge difference.

3. Keep checking inOne conversation doesn’t have to be the end of it.

   Send a message the next day. Grab a brew together. Ask how they’re getting on. If someone is going through a difficult period, knowing that someone genuinely cares can make it easier to keep talking.

   National Suicide Prevention Month isn’t just about one month. It’s about creating a culture where checking in becomes part of everyday life.

4. Help them find supportYou don’t have to carry the conversation alone. If someone is struggling, encourage them to speak to someone who can help, whether that’s their GP, a professional support service or a trusted person in their life.

   There are plenty of support services that are available around the clock. Mind’s information pack includes a range of free and confidential services, whilst Samaritans can be contacted free, day or night, on 116 123.

   Band of Builders provides dedicated confidential wellbeing support for construction workers and their families, including professional counselling, wellbeing resources and 24/7 support available by texting ‘BoB’ to 85258.

5. Don’t underestimate your presenceYou might never know how much a quick conversation, a cup of tea or simply sitting alongside someone means to them.

   National Suicide Prevention Month is about changing the conversation around suicide and recognising that prevention is something we can all play a part in.

   That doesn’t mean taking responsibility for someone else’s wellbeing. It means being willing to notice, listen and help someone connect to the right support.

Looking After Our Own

At Band of Builders, we know that construction workers can face pressures both on and off site. Illness, injury, financial worries, relationship difficulties and other life changes can all take their toll.

That’s why our support goes beyond one area. Through our practical projects, financial assistance and wellbeing services, we aim to support construction workers and their families when life becomes difficult.

National Suicide Prevention Month gives us an important opportunity to remind our mates, and ourselves, that asking for help isn’t a weakness. Sometimes, it starts with one person asking a simple question…

“You alright, mate?”

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or needs urgent medical help, call 999 or go to A&E. For confidential emotional support, our support lines are available 24/7, please text BoB to 85258 or explore our wellbeing support.