NEWSROOM
MATES in Construction
Western Technical College welcomed MATES in Construction as students enjoyed a sausage sizzle and then attended a general awareness training session on mental health wellbeing, focussing on Suicide prevention in the Construction industry.
In Australia in the Construction Industry, we lose someone every second day to suicide. Furthermore, young construction workers are three times more likely to take their own lives than other young Australians.
The MATES in Construction Life Skills Toolbox Program is fixing this problem by helping young people entering the construction and allied industries develop resilience – that inner strength that enables us to deal with life challenges. It teaches students what to look out for when someone is not doing so well and as importantly what to do if they notice someone is struggling, as well as who they themselves can turn to if they need help.
Developing resilience is important because it helps to develop mechanisms to protect ourselves against overwhelming situations and experiences and helps to protect us from some mental health issues. It also helps find balance when life is difficult.
We thank Marilyn, Janine and Mitch for coming out and speaking with our students and giving them important life skills. #MATESinconstruction