mates in construction new zealand

Suicide is everyone’s business, it does not discriminate.

Our construction industry is losing nearly one person every week to suicide, and 98% of those that we lose are our men.

The MATES programme builds and strengthens communities in the workplace and across the industry – helping our people to be supportive and provide an environment that encourages positive wellbeing. The impact of this community-based approach then goes beyond the workplace and into our everyday lives.

MATES engage with workers through on-site training and providing those identified as at risk with case management support that connects them to suitable professional support. MATES Field Officers are trained in suicide intervention skills and have experience with the Building and Construction Industry. This allows them to engage easily with the workers on site.

about us

Last year over 654 New Zealanders died by suicide.

1 in 20 people have a thought of suicide in any two-week period.

There has also been an increase in the Maori and Pasifika population contributing to our suicide numbers, a demographic heavily represented across the construction industry.

Construction workers are 6 x more likely to die from suicide than an accident at work.

SEE THE RESEARCH

We raise awareness, deliver on-site programmes and inform the industry through research.

WHAT ARE WE DOING?

We take action by connecting workers to help, and creating stronger, more resilient worksites.

GET INVOLVED

Suicide is preventable and workplace focused programmes have been found to be effective interventions.

workers inducted

connectors trained

sites have received our programme

call backs made

companies have become investment partners

“The value that I think best aligns to the great work MATES provides is that of ‘courage’. Courage to speak up. Courage to support others. Courage to be vulnerable and courage to ask the tough questions.”

Murray Robertson – EGM Hawkins

“I was so alone and at one stage I was about to jump.

Then I met the MATES fellas.”

Labourer

“I never even thought of what some of my other brothers might be going through after this training, so now I’m determined to keep a look out for my mates.”

General Awareness Training participant

Join our Partners in supporting our workers in our industry.

Become a MATES in Construction Impact Partner today.

MATES partners