Lifeline Launches Mental Health Guide for Tradespeople
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In recognition of Tradies National Health Month, Lifeline has introduced Strong Foundations: A Wellbeing Guide for Tradies, a new tool aimed at tackling the distinct physical and emotional strains encountered by individuals in trade sectors.
The move follows concerning data from MATES in Construction, revealing that those in this field are eight times more likely to succumb to suicide than workplace accidents.
According to Lifeline Chair Professor Steve Moylan, the demanding nature of the trade industry can significantly impact workers' well-being.
“What we do for a living can have a profound impact on our mental health and wellbeing, in both positive and negative ways,” said Professor Moylan.
“It’s important to remember that in the trades, feeling stressed or burnt out isn’t a sign of weakness – it’s your body’s way of saying you’ve been carrying more than you should have to.”
“Looking after our wellbeing doesn’t always mean making huge changes. Often, it starts with small steps like getting back to the basics.”
“That’s where the Strong Foundations Guide comes in – it’s all about helping tradies learn a few helpful tools and letting them know where to turn when things feel too heavy to manage on their own.”
The guide also showcases real-life anecdotes of tradies who have navigated challenges through seeking assistance, initiating conversations, or implementing minor changes.
“When someone sees that others they can relate to have faced similar struggles and found a way through, it reminds them that they are not alone — and that helps build a more open, supportive atmosphere for everyone,” Professor Moylan added.
Josephine Sukkar AM, Chair of the Buildcorp Foundation, stressed the necessity for the construction sector to destigmatize mental health discussions.
“Young men working on construction sites are twice as likely to take their own lives compared to those in other industries, which is why we must become more comfortable discussing mental health,” said Sukkar.
“For over a decade, the Buildcorp Foundation has proudly partnered with Lifeline to raise awareness and provide practical tools to our site teams, subcontractors, and staff – empowering them to care for their own mental health, support their mates, and strengthen the wellbeing of our broader community.”
Ben Pieyre, Managing Director and CEO of Boom Logistics, highlighted the parity of mental health with physical safety in workplaces.
“Safety isn’t just about helmets and harnesses; it’s about looking after the whole person which includes mental health,” said Pieyre.
“Working in a high-pressure industry like we do at Boom Logistics can mean many of our workforce, who are predominantly men, often find it hard to speak up when things aren’t okay.”
Pieyre said he has witnessed firsthand the significant impact mental health challenges can have on individuals and teams.
He recalled that the loss of a staff member to suicide last year deeply affected the company.
Pieyre added that Boom Logistics’ partnership with Lifeline through MensLine Australia is an important step in ensuring workers and the wider community have access to confidential, professional, and readily available support whenever it is needed.
Lifeline is encouraging anyone feeling overwhelmed to reach out for support.
Lifeline’s services are available 24/7 via phone on 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14, online chat at www.lifeline.org.au, or through the website’s Support Toolkit.
Source: Build Australia
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