Mike Turlin started Construction Buddies to get people open up about their mental health in construction and to let them know that help is available. Here, he discusses his journey – and how we can get people in the industry talking
My name is Mike Turlin and I’m the founder of Bentley Mental Health and Construction Buddies and now www.abrokenmind.org.
I am also a project manager within the construction industry and a passionate mental health in construction campaigner.
In 2009, I tried to end my life on more than one occasion. A family member and also my best friend both died within a short period of time, my marriage ended and I was made redundant. Thankfully, those attempts failed.
It took a while but as I turned my life around, I decided that I wanted to help and support others who may be suffering with their mental health or finding life a struggle.
I felt that by sharing my lived experience, I could help them to open up and seek the help that they needed.
Bentley Mental Health
I started Bentley Mental Health and toured around the country, exhibiting my car at car shows and lots of other events and sharing my story.
I had the aim of talking to people about the importance of discussing mental health in construction.
I was amazed at how many people started opening up to me about their issues.
The relaxed atmosphere of the car events was helping people to finally start talking; you don’t expect to be doing that on a day out!
That’s when I knew I was on to something, and that people do really welcome the opportunity to speak about their issues.
As word got around about what I was doing, I found that the workers on my construction sites were more willing to come and talk to me about their problems and ask where they could go for help.
That’s why I started Construction Buddies. I wanted the people on site to know that there is someone who has been there, and that life CAN be turned around.
Suicide doesn’t have to be an option
I have never hidden away the fact that I tried to take my own life and by being open and honest about it, I hope that I can encourage them to reassess their own situation.
I am aiming for Construction Buddies Mental Health to become a leader at the forefront of changing how mental health is viewed and how workers are cared for within the construction industry.
Construction Buddies Mental Health charity
I am passionate about enabling companies and individuals to give their workers somewhere to turn should they find themselves struggling with their mental health.
We need construction companies to stop ticking boxes and do what they say on their paperwork. We can reduce mental health issues here in the UK by showing the people that we all work with that we do care about them. We want them to come to work and go home feeling even better that they started the day.
The next stage in my amazing journey is starting my own charity and this can be achieved with your help. We are looking for companies to partner with us and help reduce mental health issues and help people in the UK know there is hope. If I can turn my life around, so can you!
Please remember, it’s good to talk and have the ability to listen.
Please contact me on mike@constructionbuddies.co.uk
Mike Turlin
Founder
Construction Buddies
mike@constructionbuddies.co.uk
