GET INVOLVED
MATES in Construction is a non-profit industry funded organisation. We rely on the support of our partners to allow us to provide our suicide prevention workplace training and ongoing support to our NZ Construction Workers.
There are a variety of options to choose from if you are interested in becoming involved with our organisation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How will my funds be used?
Funding is targeted into delivering the MATES in Construction programme onto site. General Awareness Training and Connector programmes are delivered on site and are supplemented by toolbox talks, site visits and support through Case Management and the 0800 helpline service. This means that all workers have access to the free programme as it develops an independent community-based approach to mental wellness and suicide prevention.
Where does your funding come from?
At this point the majority of funding comes from industry, with a percentage coming from public sector contracts.
Can I change the term of my agreement?
Contracts are set at 3 years, which helps MATES to plan around secured funding. However, if you would like to discuss this further, please just drop us a line on our contact page.
Is MATES just something that the main contractor is organising for site?
The MATES programme is for everyone on site and is not representing any one organisation. The purpose is to create a community that supports each other.
The Field Officer’s role is best modelled on those workers they walk alongside on the site, although they are representing MATES, they are the link between workers in the workplace and the organisation, empowering them and enabling them to support each other.
The Field Officers’ role is to build MATES into the workplace so that the workers become integrated into the MATES model. Once this has been achieved, the programme becomes part of the fabric of that workplace – where workers take ownership of MATES and it becomes impossible to take these learnings out of the workplace. It is now an integral part of workplace culture.
Can the skills learnt be applied outside of the workplace?
Absolutely, you don’t leave these skills in a locker at the end of the day. The learnings that you take away can be applied in your own communities, footy clubs, whānau and everyday lives.
Are you an EAP service?
MATES is not an EAP service, but we do support everyone on site that is struggling. If a worker requires support and they have contacted us, MATES will connect through our Case Management. Our Case Managers will work with the individual to create a personal plan and connect them to appropriate support that works for them. The Case Manager will remain connected with the individual to ensure they remain engaged with the support service.
What impact has MATES made in Australia and New Zealand?
MATES in Australia has been operating since 2008, our programmes are evidence-based and are an integrated model of universal, selective, indicated suicide prevention and mental health interventions as well as supporting treatment and continued care for individuals in a workplace setting. The five-year review of MATES Australia showed that there was a 7.9% drop in suicide in the construction over this period. MATES launched in New Zealand in November 2019 and has delivered to over 80,000 workers across the country (as of end of 2024). MATES also undertake research continuously to improve the effectiveness of our programme, gauge the well-being of our industry, determine the number that we lose to suicide each year from our industry through, and more.
How do I get training if I am not a partner?
If you have workers on a site that we are delivering on, they will all be able to access our training and support free. If you are able to support MATES by becoming an Impact Partner it will assist us in continuing to deliver training onto further sites where your workforce is based.
Why would we need MATES if our company has its own mental health program?
MATES in Construction has been created by industry for industry, it builds the capacity for the industry to look after each other, it is a site delivered program and it promotes suicide prevention through a three-step program which provides tangible skills that can be applied easily to identify and support someone who is not travelling well.
What is the difference between First Aid Mental Health Training and MATES in construction training?
First Aid mental health training provides individuals with the knowledge of mental health illnesses and supports, this training is great for mental health professionals and people who work within the medical and social sector as well as office-based work environments. MATES in Construction has been created by industry for industry, it builds the capacity for the whole of site and industry to look after each other, it is a site delivered program and it promotes suicide prevention through a three-step program which provides tangible skills that can be applied easily to identify and support someone who is not travelling well into the correct pathway to help and support, MATES in Construction becomes part of the fabric of the site and is there from the beginning to the end of the build.
Have my workers received any training?
MATES is currently delivering across the nation. As this is a community-based model, there is a high probability that your workers will have come across MATES and been inducted into the programme. You can spot someone who’s gone through a MATES Training by a white, green, or blue sticker on their helmet.
Can I move up in the Partnership categories?
Absolutely, we would love your support. If you think any other organisations would also be interested in supporting MATES, please encourage them to get in touch.
Can I request more training?
If you feel that we have not reached workers on sites you are involved with, please let us know. We will schedule in time to offer you the support of MATES.
How is the pricing structured within the categories?
Within each partnership level, we offer you the ability to select the amount you would like to contribute. Get in touch to know more about our partnerships.
Can we use the MATES logo on our website to show our support?
Yes, we encourage you to use the MATES brand to demonstrate your commitment to mental health support and suicide prevention in our industry.
Join our Partners in supporting our workers in our industry.
Become a MATES in Construction Impact Partner today.