Men’s Health Week takes place this week from June 15th to 21st. This year’s initiative focuses on how men can make better use of pharmacies to improve their physical and mental health. Organised by the Men’s Health Forum, the awareness campaign is also designed to reduce pressure on the NHS.

As a company with a long-established commitment to supporting the health, wellbeing and mental resilience of its employees, commercial roofing and waterproofing specialist BriggsAmasco gives its full backing to Men’s Health Week.

Keith Melling, BriggsAmasco  Northern Operations Director said: “The campaign provides an excellent opportunity to highlight important topics that affect men’s health. At BriggsAmasco., we have spent the past three months delivering a company-wide Mental Health & Wellbeing Campaign aimed at raising awareness, encouraging conversations and providing practical support to our employees and operatives across the UK.

“The construction industry continues to face significant challenges around mental health, stress, wellbeing and workplace pressures. As a business, we recognise that creating a positive culture where people feel comfortable talking openly and seeking support is essential.”

According to the Centre for Mental Health, one-in-six British workers will suffer depression, anxiety or stress-related issues at any one time. For construction employees, the issue is significantly more accute. A Federation of Master Builders (FMB) study shows that circa 73% of the UK’s 2.1 million building personnel have been affected by mental illness, with almost a third of employees reportedly experiencing daily anxiety.

To safeguard its employees BriggsAmasco’s Mental Health & Wellbeing Campaign focuses on several key areas, including:

  • Understanding and recognising stress factors that contribute to poor mental wellbeing through Mental Health First Aid England’s ‘Stress Container’ model
  • Promoting positive wellbeing habits: regular exercise, quality sleep, healthy eating, taking breaks, spending time outdoors and connecting with others
  • Raising awareness of workplace stress and helping employees identify the signs and symptoms before they become more serious concerns
  • Delivering mandatory Stress Awareness training for employees
  • A two-day Mental Health First Aid course and refresher training delivered by BriggsAmasco’s dedicated Mental Health First Aid instructors
  • Dedicated wellbeing coffee mornings and site-based colleague gatherings, creating opportunities for open conversations away from the pressures of daily work activities

Additional employee initiatives implemented this year included a company-wide ‘Wear it Green Day’ during Mental Health Awareness Week. BriggsAmasco has also encouraged colleagues to share uplifting and meaningful songs to highlight the positive role music can play in upholding mental wellbeing.  Keith Melling said employees had responded ‘extremely positively’ to Briggs’ enterprising mental health campaign.

He said: “Construction can be a demanding industry and it is important that we continue creating an environment where people feel comfortable discussing their wellbeing and asking for help when they need it.

“The fantastic engagement from our employees has shown that when organisations create opportunities to talk openly, people respond positively. Men’s Health Week provides another important opportunity to continue those conversations and remind everyone that support is available.”

For more information on Men’s Health Week, click here