ABOUT US
‘Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi engari i te toa takitini’
‘My strength is not of a single warrior but that of many’
Suicide is everyone’s business, it does not discriminate.
Our construction industry is losing nearly one person every week to suicide, and 99% of those that we lose are our men.
MATES in Construction has one simple but hugely ambitious aim – to reduce the number of lives lost to suicide in the construction industry. In 2019, construction had the highest male suicide rate for any occupational group.
The Four Pillars of
MATES in Construction
The MATES delivery model is not linear, it moves back and forth – each site has its own community ecosystem which exists within the greater industry environment. Therefore, what we do on one site will influence other sites.
The provision of training, case management and helpline services are elements of our model, but there is a complex interaction between all the different parts. The true value of MATES is not the sum of these elements, but how they exponentially build on each other.
Informing industry
through research
by partnering with researchers in research on aspects of the construction industry that impact on mental health and suicide risk.
raising awareness
that mental health and suicide is an industry issue that we can address together.
connecting to help
by providing case management support to workers who are struggling helping them to navigate the mental health support system.
Creating Resilient and
Stronger worksites
by training and supporting workers and managers to make a difference and improving mental health and preventing suicide.
Our Construction Community
Download the complete induction resource pack: “MATES Mental Health Toolbox” with 4 resources included (click image to download PDF).Download the complete induction resource pack: “MATES Mental Health Toolbox” with 4 resources included (click image to download PDF).