In the last five years, there have been 1,419 reported suicides in the construction industry. Each one leaves behind a wave of devastation to their families, friends and colleagues; it’s gone too far, and something has to change
The MIND YOUR HEAD campaign aims to promote wellbeing throughout the UK construction industry.
MIND YOUR HEAD is going to launch with a unique “MATERIAL SUPPORT” exhibition at UK Construction Week 2019. Hemsec will be providing literal support by building the exhibition stand with SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels). The idea is for MATERIAL SUPPORT to be something of an art gallery – so interesting and eye-catching that visitors can’t help but be drawn in to see it.
Just like an art gallery it will provoke thought and thus change. Each featured artwork, donated by leading manufacturers, will deliver a meaningful message related to mental wellbeing and raise awareness of the issue.
RIBA president Alan Jones, leadership coach Ric Moylan, and architect and author of Happy by Design, Ben Channon are amongst those who will speak at the exhibition.
MIND YOUR HEAD has been specifically designed by leading psychotherapist Dr Gareth Palmer, founder of MenShouldTalk, to bring mental health issues to the surface.
“It aims to help men examine themselves so they can understand their own histories and build strategies for coping with their problems… without robust mental health and emotional resilience, we are like buildings resting on shaky ground.”
– Dr Gareth Palmer
When asked about the industry’s response to the campaign, managing director of Agency Spring Paul Iddon, the campaign’s creative and marketing partner, said: “Within two short months we have gained the support of 17 leading manufacturers – all of whom have committed themselves to championing MIND YOUR HEAD at UK Construction Week and beyond. Securing these industry giants is testament to the strength and importance of MIND YOUR HEAD’s mission.”
Hemsec is among some of the industry’s most progressive manufacturers that have already pledged their support to MIND YOUR HEAD. Whitecroft Lighting will provide bespoke lighting design and fit-out for the space.
VELUX (Prime Sponsor), Crittall, Portakabin, George Barnsdale, Zest, QPSL, William Hare, BWF, Assent, Tremco, DESK, ICON, Concept Cubicles and RIBA have all united behind the MIND YOUR HEAD mission.
The MIND YOUR HEAD campaign will launch with the MATERIAL SUPPORT exhibition at UK Construction Week on 8-10 October 2019 at the NEC, Birmingham.
There is still time for manufactures to pledge their support to MIND YOUR HEAD. For more information, please visit mindhead.co.uk.
