Mental Health

LOOKING AFTER YOUR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELLBEING DURING CORONAVIRUS

In a time of uncertainty and a lot of unknown about the immediate future, it is natural that it will affect our physical and mental health and wellbeing.  The ever changing coronavirus situation has created a number of challenges for even the most resilient of us, whether that be dealing with the practicalities of juggling work and childcare or the emotional distress of dealing with loneliness whilst isolating. 

You might find visiting NHS/Every-Mind-Matters a useful tool in helping you through the coronavirus isolation period. It provides helpful information covering a range of topics that cover your physical and mental wellbeing.  Although some may seem obvious, in such exceptional circumstances, even the simplest of things such as eating well and getting a good night sleep may not be at the forefront of our minds.

Mental Health support can also be found on the Lighthouse Club—The Construction Industry Charity and the Building Mental Health websites. Both websites are specifically for construction workers and detail the Construction Industry Helpline number and a newly created App to support construction workers' mental health.

• Lighthouse Club—The Construction Industry Charity
• Building Mental Health
• Construction Industry Helpline and App

CITB Wellbeing Advice

CITB is funding the training of mental health first aid instructors for many in the industry. Instructors have come from employers, federations and clients. The training is provided by Mental Health First Aid England and the project has been managed on behalf of industry by the Lighthouse Club.

This is a charity dedicated to the health and wellbeing of construction workers and their families. The charity’s Construction Industry Helpline is needed now more than ever, with a recent increase in calls of at least 25%. Due to the current crisis, the charity is unable to go ahead with many national and regional events that provide other income. You can make a donation to the Construction Workers Family Crisis Appeal and there is also more information on the current crisis appeal available.

Mental Health Webinars

Mates in Mind is working in partnership with the Civil Engineering Contractors Association to deliver free mental wellbeing workshops. These workshops are aimed at employees; and managers (including supervisors).The live online workshops will take place on 15,16 and 21 April and will be delivered by trained mental health practitioners. Delegates will be able to see and interact with the tutor and with each other. To book a webinar visit their online booking system.

Useful Information from the Samaritans

The Samaritans has created some resources to look after your mental health wellbeing.

This includes:

• Tips on looking after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak
• How to stay mentally well if you’re self-isolating
• Links to mindfulness apps such as Calm which has now made some of its stress-reduction exercises and resources available for free
• A list of tips from Happiful on how to keep yourself physically and mentally healthy if you’re working from home during the outbreak
• Advice about protecting your mental health from BBC News aggregated from the World Health Organisation and social media

Samaritans also has resources online about:

• Practical ways to help yourself cope.
• What to do if you’re worried about someone else