The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A local building firm took 10 minutes out to recognise World Suicide Prevention Day.
Seagate Homes, whose head office is in Holbeach, asked all its employees to stop work at 10am on Thursday, September 10 and speak to each other about mental health.
It’s all par of a global campaign to help those struggling with mental health.
The company’s HR manager Barbara Mehew said: “Every day in the construction industry sadly two people take their lives.
“We were very keen to raise awareness today across our employees and supply chain and have encouraged all employees to down tools at 10am and to take time to check in with themselves and their colleagues.
“Our site managers have delivered a toolbox talk to raise awareness and to reduce the stigma surrounding mental ill health.
“As a qualified MHFA England Mental Health First Aider and Licensed Instructor Trainer for MHFA England I have experienced situations first hand where having an open and honest conversation regarding mental ill health and suicidal thoughts, have paved the way to a journey of hope and recovery.
“The common misconception that asking about suicidal thoughts would put the idea into someone’s mind, when actually it gives them a sense of relief that someone will not judge and show support and empathy along their journey to recovery.”
