September 2022 - Suicide Prevention Day (10 September) Two people working in construction in the UK die by suicide every day. Over 700 per year. 48% have taken time off work due to unmanageable stress. 91% have felt overwhelmed and 26% have expressed suicidal thoughts. The recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day isn’t just to talk about these statistics but to be ready to take action on matters that could impact people’s families, friends and loved ones.
Samaritans Samaritans raise awareness about suicide prevention and provide tips on how to take care of yourself and others better. This World Suicide Prevention Day, if you are worried someone might be experiencing suicidal thoughts, Samaritans encourage you to ask them directly.
How to start a conversation with someone Just being there to listen and showing you care can help. Here are some tips on how to start a conversation with someone you’re worried about. Choose a good time, and somewhere without distractions Use open questions that need more than a yes/no answer ‘How are things, I’ve noticed you don’t seem quite yourself?’ Listen well. ‘How’s that making you feel?’ Avoid giving your view of what’s wrong, or what they should do It's normal to feel anxious about asking someone if they’re suicidal, but it could save someone's life. Try and avoid saying things like ‘you’re not thinking of doing something stupid are you?’. Being patient and showing you care builds trust and helps someone to open up. Visit the Samaritans website for more information on help and support available, or you can speak to a Samaritan by calling 116 123.
Mental Health First Aiders At Barratt, as part of our ongoing commitment to support our employees with their mental health, we have a growing network of trained Mental Health First Aiders throughout the business. What is the role of a Mental Health First Aider? To support employees Help to make life at work easier Listen non-judgmentally Offer and encourage support Signpost people to professional help Assist in a crisis If you are concerned about yours or another employee’s mental health then please contact any of the Mental Health First Aiders to discuss your concerns, they are here to help and assist you confidentially. Keep a look out for wellbeing boards in site offices which provide details on all Mental Health First Aiders and those who are local to you. In addition, all SHE managers are trained Mental Health First Aiders. Each of our divisions has an accredited Mental Health First Aid England trained health and wellbeing champion who is ‘Mental Health Aware’. You can contact your champion if you need initial confidential guidance and signposting. There are many different types of support, which are available to help direct colleagues to access the most appropriate professional help and support. At Barratt, we’re committed to raising the awareness of mental health and reducing the stigma. Our Mental Health First Aiders and health and wellbeing champions play an important role in supporting colleagues, and are a key resource across our divisions and on sites to help demonstrate the advice, initiatives and help available.
September 2022 - Suicide Prevention Day (10 September) Webinars Understanding grief - Thursday 8 September 2022 10:00-11:30am: Click here to register This is a session for anyone interested in expanding their understanding of grief and other kinds of loss (such as divorce, illness and other bereavements). During this session, the attendants will learn about what grief is, what the different types of grief are, how to recognise symptoms of grief, and how to cope with a complicated or unprocessed grief. My Barratt Benefits and employee health & support webinar - Tuesday 13 September 2022 10:30-11:30am: Click here to register This one hour webinar will provide you with information on the full My Barratt Benefits, including voluntary benefits which you can opt to receive, and the many other benefits that the Company offers. In addition, you will learn about all of the health and wellbeing support available to you as an employee of Barratt. The fundamentals of recovery - Thursday 15 September 10:00-11:00am: Click here to register This one hour interactive session separates the facts from fiction, helping attendees to find the best recovery methods including optimizing recovery, the best methods to use and why the recovery fundamentals (sleep, nutrition, and rest) are so important. Developing resilience: From surviving to thriving - Wednesday 21 September 11:00-12:00pm: Click here to register This webinar explores resilience from a scientific perspective to discover its impact on our wellbeing. Participants will be shown techniques to discover what replenishes and diminishes their own resilience and how to cultivate it.
Help & Support Construction Worker Helpline: A free, confidential service for construction workers and their ‘living in household’ dependents which offers support, advice and a guiding hand in times of need. Visit their website for further information or call them in confidence on freephone 0808 801 0372 (8am-8pm, 7 days a week). Construction Industry Helpline: The Construction Industry Helpline is managed and funded by the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity. Call 0345 605 1956. You can read more about the organisation in their poster and access the help you need or you can also download the free app by scanning the QR codes. The app is aimed at construction workers who would like more information about how they can help themselves or if necessary, take the next step in seeking professional help.
Calm is a science-based mindfulness app which aims to help you improve your health and happiness through sleep and meditation. This may benefit individuals looking to gain the skills and knowledge to deal with daily stress or anxiety.
What's coming in October? October is Barratt’s Health & Wellbeing month, where we focus on a different area of your wellbeing each week. For information, tools and links on many areas of health and wellbeing please click here to visit our My Barratt Benefits website. For any queries or suggestions, please contact handw@barrattplc.co.uk.