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The Fourth Annual Mental Health in Construction

From Hard Hats to Heart Health

Online Conference 12 December 2023, 9:00am - 3:00pm

CPD accredited by IGPP badge
9:00am
Online Registration
9:30am
Chair's Welcome Address
Dr. Luana Parisi, Lecturer in Construction Engineering and Management, University of East London
9:40am
Addressing Mental Health Challenges in the Construction Industry
  • Discussing the effect of mental ill-health on the construction industry and the ‘silent crisis’ workers are facing
  • Hear examples of good practice in the sector and what can be done to support workers
  • Addressing the high suicide rate in the construction industry as a crisis and what can be done to support people
Sarah Bolton, COO, Lighthouse Club
10:00am
Prioritising Mental Health in the Built Environment Sector
  • Putting Mental Health on the agenda of workplaces and prioritising mental wellbeing in the built environment sector
  • Transforming approaches to mental health in the workplace
  • Understanding how government policies can enable workplaces to create positive impacts on mental health and wellbeing
Professor Anne Harris, Principal Workplace Health Strategist, Anne Harriss and Associates
10:20am
Question & Answers Session
  • Speakers from the previous session will join for an audience Q&A
10:40am
Break & Networking
11:30am
Reducing Causes of Stress and Poor Mental Health
  • Understanding the work environment in the construction industry and identifying potential stressors
  • Establishing frameworks for routinely monitoring the mental health of staff
  • Implementing practical tools to support the mental health of staff
Emma Mamo, Assistant Director of Workplace & Business Development, Scottish Action for Mental Health
11:50am
Nurturing Mental Health by Breaking Stereotypes in Construction
  • Exploring the harmful impact of hyper-masculine norms in the construction industry on workers' mental health, revealing how this culture often leads to issues like isolation, anxiety, and burnout
  • Learning about effective strategies and best practices that forward-thinking companies have used to challenge and reshape the hyper-masculine norms, fostering open conversations and implementing support mechanisms
  • Advocating for a more compassionate and inclusive construction industry. By sharing actionable insights, the session equips individuals to promote mental health, contribute to open dialogues, and ultimately transform work environments for the better
Steve Morley, Associate Consultant/Trainer, If not Me
12:10pm
Navigating Depression and Suicide in the Workplace
  • Managing Risk: Spotting the signs of poor mental health and identifying risk of suicide
  • Encouraging Conversations: Strategies to foster an empathetic workplace culture that encourages people to reach out
  • Prevention and Intervention: Exploring effective strategies to address suicide risks and create a supportive workplace wellbeing culture
Hugo Metcalfe, Co-Founder & Chief Psychologist, The Happy Mind Tribe
12:30pm
Question & Answers Session
12:50pm
Lunch & Networking
1:50pm
Exploring the Mental Health Challenges of Self-Employed Construction Workers
  • Discuss how the precarious nature of self-employment contracts in the construction industry, characterised by inconsistent work, lack of benefits, and financial instability, can lead to significant stress and anxiety among workers.
  • Examine the reasons why self-employed construction workers might be hesitant to disclose mental health challenges to their line managers or employers.
  • Offer strategies and solutions for promoting mental health awareness and support within the construction sector, including creating safe spaces for workers to discuss their mental health concerns without fear of retaliation, promoting a culture of empathy and understanding, and advocating for policies that protect the well-being of self-employed workers.
Faye Boswell, Founder, Let’s Listen
2:10pm
Cultivating Workplace Wellbeing
  • Embracing neurodiversity in the workplace fosters an inclusive environment where individuals with varying cognitive abilities can contribute their unique perspectives and strengths
  • The significance of a welcoming building structure in workplaces lies in its ability to foster employees’ mental wellbeing
  • Providing a dedicated space for recharging at workplaces is essential, as it promotes employee physical and mental wellbeing
Steve Morley, Associate Consultant/Trainer, If not Me
2:30pm
Question & Answers Session
2:50pm
Chair's Close and Summary

Please note, the agenda is subject to change. 

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