Mates in Mind
The Big Construction Diversity Challenge
Mates in Mind is a leading UK charity which enables organisations of any size, to proactively improve the mental wellbeing of their workforce. We do this by providing the skills, clarity and confidence to businesses on how to raise awareness, improve understanding, implement effective interventions and address the stigma of mental ill-health. As a result, we help organisations to build positive mental health in and through work.
Mates in Mind is proud to support the Big Construction Diversity Challenge 2025. We know that diverse and inclusive workforces perform better for employers and workers. We also know that too many construction workers are currently experiencing mental ill-health and that the negative stereotypes and stigma that surrounds it are preventing people from talking about it and accessing the support they need. Apprentices and new entrants into the sector will have a huge learning curve not only in terms of new skills, working patterns, and prioritising physical safety, but also in learning how to be psychologically safe. Therefore, if we want to attract and keep workers, build diverse workforces and inclusive cultures, it is imperative that we encourage everyone to normalise conversations about mental health in the workplace (including management leading by example and sharing their experiences), learning to spot the signs of mental ill-health in yourself and your colleagues, having the confidence to start a conversation, ensuring line managers have the skills to respond with reasonable adjustments where necessary, and signposting support if required. This is why we are pleased to have been invited to judge one of the challenges at the event, and to talk with participating organisations about how they can build positive mental health in and through work for all workers.
