A pioneering new app has been launched to help the construction industry address its stark mental ill health situation
Ownminder is the first industry-specific proactive psychological health solution that enables organisations to provide their employees and supply chains with Mind Fitness training.
The aim of the app is to take a positive, proactive and preventative approach to mitigate the risk of mental illness in the future.
It is available 24/7 and features on-demand modules, personalised tools, strategies and techniques that provide users with a deeper understanding of their psychological health.
Suicide rates
According to figures, the UK construction industry experiences a suicide rate three times more than the national average – this equates to two people per day taking their own lives.
Anonymised reports, compiled with user engagement levels and mental wellbeing scores, will give businesses access to insight and data relevant to certain health and safety compliance, public procurement and other ESG requirements.
‘two people per day in the UK construction industry taking their own lives (ONS)’
Dr Vanessa Moulton, co-founder of Ownminder commented: “There has never been a more important time to launch Ownminder to the construction industry, with our sole mission to create a highly targeted solution fit for a digital age.
Prevent mental ill health
“There is a lot of focus on how we respond to mental ill health and not so much on how to prevent it. We can all positively impact our psychological health if we understand how our minds work and armed with the right tools.
“Right now, psychological health and mind fitness should be given as much focus and priority as physical health and fitness.”
Founding partner Danny Lucas, exec chairman and managing director of Lucas, said: “Being a founding partner is something that really empowers me. It’s been a privilege to be involved with the development of the product and be able to help shape its roll out across the industry.”
‘Striving for better mental health across the sector’
CEO and founder of the Morrisroe Group, Brian Morrisroe, also a founding partner commented: “We all care for our workforces and the opportunity to get involved with Ownminder to do something more for them is invaluable.
“I’m pleased to be part of this journey that is striving for better mental health across the sector.”
Managing director of the Erith Group and founding partner of Ownminder, David Darsey said: “Allowing employees to be able to own their mind and be in control of their psychological health and fitness is incredibly important.
‘We have a duty of care’
“As employers, we have a responsibility and a duty of care to ensure our staff across all levels are not just physically safe, but mentally safe too.”
Founding partner Danny Chaney, chairman of blu-3, went on to say: “It’s an honour to be part of Ownminder. Very much driven by my own personal experience, I have been championing mental health and wellbeing in the sector for years.
“Ownminder is with you 24 hours a day to tap into when you need it, with the end goal being a psychologically healthier, happier and more productive workforce within the construction industry.”
The advisory board for the initiative includes David Richmond CBE, Damon Brown (Portfolio Lead for Construction Legal and General), Professor Neil Greenberg (Professor of Defence Mental Health and Chair of the Occupational Psychiatry Special Interest Group at the Royal College of Psychiatrists). Paul Flexney-Briscoe (Construction Director of Sellar), Vicky Fairhall (ex-Senior Vice President, Brookfield Properties UK) and Matt Evans (Fund Manager Investec Asset Management).
