Building Mental Health Alliance
Disclaimer
The material provided by the Building Mental Health Alliance (BMHA) and NI Safety Group (NISG) on this page is for informational purposes only. BMHA and NISG do not accept any liability whatsoever for the contents (including attachments), usage or onward transmission including any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on its contents.
In providing this information BMHA and NISG are not acting in an advisory capacity. Nothing in the material provided constitutes legal or professional advice. The material provided is protected by copyright. It may not be copied, reproduced, republished, downloaded, posted, broadcast or transmitted in any way except for your own personal, non-commercial use. Prior written consent of BMHA and NISG must be obtained for any other use of material.
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Lifeline
Northern Ireland's crisis response helpline 24/7
Call:0808 8088000 Textphone:18001 0808808 8000 Website:Lifelinehelpline.info -
Samaritans
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Call:116 123Website:Samaritans.org -
Lighthouse Charity
Construction Industry Helpline 24/7
Call:0345 6051956 Website:lighthousecharity.org -
Building Mental Health Alliance
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Signposts to other help, support & information
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BMHA - Fundraiser NI Cycle Challenge
The Building Mental Health Alliance (BMHA), a partnership of construction organisations committed to improving mental health in the construction industry across Northern Ireland, has launched a fundraising cycle event this September to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing in the sector. BMHA aims to raise 5,000 through this event, which will be donated to charities supporting construction workers in Northern Ireland: The Lighthouse Club The Construction Industry Charity, Samaritans an... -
Money Worries and Mental Health.
Worrying about money problems can affect anyones mental health. Yet there are sources of help available online.The Moneyhelper website https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/ (a free facility from the Money and Pensions Service, an arms-length body of HM Government) provides easy to understand and practical guidance including (but not limited to)Help if you are struggling to pay your billsCredit card paymentsIdentity theft, scams and getting your money backDealing with debtAnd other financial issuesMone... -
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New Mental Health in Construction poster.
This time of year, can be tough for some with the added pressures the festive period brings.Do download and display this new BMHA poster. Visually it is very different than the original one and might just catch the eye of someone that would find the signposting service accessed by the QR code of benefit.The poster is a4 size and can be downloaded by clicking on the Services for employers and other information tab at this link.Also, feel free to hold over and use in the New Year as part of a ment... -
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3-minute mental health awareness video
Welcome to the BMHA video on mental health in the construction industry. As you are aware the construction sector is known for its physically demanding work, long hours, and tight deadlinesand its also a field where mental health challenges often go unspoken.The video, (filmed in 2022 in Belfast with the parts played by local actors) shows what these challenges could look like.Suicide amongst construction workers is too high and the video highlights the importance of creating a supportive enviro... -
Talk it through - we're here to listen
In a powerful gesture of support for Mental Health, a local contractor has installed Samaritans signage outside Belfast to bring attention to the challenges faced by people in the construction industry. The signage, prominently displayed in high-traffic areas, will promote Samaritans helpline and encourage open discussions about mental health, particularly among men, who are disproportionately affected by mental health issues within the sector.The contractor, John McQuillan Contracts, aims to co... -
SGUK Innovation Award
BMHA were delighted to win the Safety Groups UK (SGUK)Award for Innovation 2024 which was presented at an Awards Ceremony in IOSH in Leicester last week.The SGUK Innovation Award is designed to recognise health and safety innovation, and is open to all organisations of any size based or operating in the UK. The aim of the Award is to celebrate and share best practices, the latest thinking, and innovation in health and safety management.(l to r) - Ian Coombes, SGUK Board Member, Ernie Spence, BMH... -
Helplines NI
Helplines NI is a membershipled organisation consisting of different helplines (currently standing at 48) operating across Northern Ireland.The helplines provide a variety of vital support services including, information, advice, counselling, a listening ear and be-friending, and offer immediate support to those with a wide-range of health and wellbeing needs, often for those who are the most vulnerable in our community. Many of the services take place over the phone, but some can help via email... -
“Hard Hats and Healthy Heads”
NI Protective Clothing Co. approached us to seek permission to use our Youre only two clicks from help stickers on the hard hats they sell.When speaking to Katie Montgomery from NIPCC we were impressed by the Companys desire to make a meaningful impact in the construction community.Were delighted to be able to get involved in the Signposting Service Katie said and went on to say Im a great believer in trying to make a difference, no matter how small. If we can help even one person by the simple ... -
BMHA Newsletter
BMHA have been extremely busy over the last 9 months since the Signposting Launch.Download the pdf below to get an idea of the activity.Do share the activity details with colleagues.Also feel free to print (it is 4 pages of a4 size) for noticeboards.... -
Dementia, Mental Health & the Workplace
Research has shown there is a link between dementia and mental health, with each condition significantly influencing the other.The Alzheimers Society report the numbers of employees with dementia is on the increase especially because people are working longer.Recognising and addressing this interplay is essential for improving the quality of life for both employees suffering from dementia and employers.The Alzheimers Society has produced an informative guide coveringYour legal responsibilities i... -
Bereavement support
Mental health problems can stem from a variety of factors. Individual experiences and vulnerabilities vary, so what affects one personmay not affect anotherin the same way.Bereavement can be one of many causes that can lead to a range of emotional and psychological challenges.In March the then Health Minister Robin Swann launched a new bereavement support website for Northern Ireland.Bereaved NI can be accessed atBereaved | Bereaved (hscni.net)(external link opens in a new window / tab)and provi... -
Managing Mental Health in the Construction Sector
Have you noticed that an employee within your team doesnt quite seem like themselves? Perhaps they are quieter and more withdrawn than usual, their mood seems low, theyre more irritable or youve seen uncharacteristic changes to their behaviour at work. Would you know what to do?Over nine million UK workers report dreading disclosing their mental health to their employers, with 36% fearing it would hamper their career and a fifth believing that it will cause them to be ostracized within the workp... -
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Collaborative Construction Webinar on mental health
6 construction groups - CIOB, BuildHealth, the Lighthouse Construction charity, the FMB, BMHA and NI Safety Group (who hosted the webinar) - joined forces to highlight the prevalence of poor mental health in the industry and the services that are available to support workers affected.The webinar was called Health Inside the Helmet and began with Gavin McGuire of FMB outlining how the industry with its demanding schedules, high-pressure environments, and physically demanding tasks, poses unique c... -
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Time to Talk Day (1st February 2024)
Time to Talk Day (1st February 2024) is a campaign created by Mind and Rethink Mental Health and run in Northern Ireland in partnership with Inspire.According to research conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Inspire last year, one in five people surveyed thinks that their workplace is a place where they talk about mental health and 19% suggested that more support and information in those spaces would make it easier to discuss this subject.Thats why were supporting Inspire as they promote Time to... -
How I tell my boss about my mental health issues?
1 in 4 UK adults suffer with a diagnosed mental health problem. Despite this, a study by CIPD revealed that 85% of employees still believe that there is a stigma attached to discussing mental health at work, whilst 58% wouldnt feel comfortable discussing mental ill-health with their manager. Talking about mental health at work isnt always easy. Its common to worry about how this conversation may impact your working relationships or career growth. Yet creating an open dialogue about your mental h... -
Navigating the Silent Struggle: Poor Mental Health During the Christmas Season
As the festive season approaches, characterised by twinkling lights, joyful carols, and the warmth of shared celebrations, its important to acknowledge that not everyone experiences the holidays with the same sense of merriment. For many, the Christmas season can be a challenging time, exacerbating feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Poor mental health during Christmas is a silent struggle that deserves attention and understanding.Contrary to the popular image of bustling family gat... -
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Construction Industry Launches Mental Health Signposting Service
We all recognise that the industry in Northern Ireland suffers from a poor mental health record with males 3 times more likely to commit suicide than those in other sectors.Yet support is available throughout the province.This initiative signposts sources of help to all in the industry, whether a person is in crisis or wouldjust like to find out more about how they can improve theirmental health.There are places to turn to and all the organisations listed have given their approval to be contacte... -
Mental Health Matters
When Carlas husband first developed mental health problems, her familys life was thrown into chaos. Her husband had always been the breadwinner for their young family - his illness was to cost them dearly. His eventual diagnosis of clinical depression did nothing to lessen the torment. He lost his job and all their hopes and dreams disappeared. He was admitted to hospital on at least 14 occasions in 10 years, and on many occasions, they came close to losing their home. Carla worried about the ef... -
Lifelines
Lifeline recognises that there are many people in Northern Ireland who are not native English speakers. However, if English isnt your first or preferred language, you can still phone Lifeline.Lifeline uses the Big Word Interpreting service to support callers who cannot or prefer not to speak English.Big Word Interpreting is free to use.Interpreters working for Big Word are bound by confidentiality.To use Big WordPhone Lifeline on 0808 808 8000Tell the counsellor that you need an interpreterTell ...
