The MATES Flags will fly over work sites across the country from the 9th to the 13th of September to celebrate 300,000 Australians who are working to prevent suicide.
As part of this year’s National Suicide Prevention Week, MATES’ annual Fly the Flag will run for five days to recognise the work of MATES volunteers trained to recognise the signs of change in their colleagues and initiate conversations that could save a life.
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“Fly the Flag is a hi-vis strategy to bring an often-hidden topic to the surface so we can help as many people as possible,” MATES National CEO Chris Lockwood said.
“At a general awareness level, MATES have trained more than 300,000 people across the construction, mining, and energy sectors. We’ve been able to build a volunteer workforce of over 30,000 volunteers who have the difficult conversations that can save a life.”
Latest research into the potential drivers of suicidal thoughts in construction industry workers shows a strong relationship between job security, demands of work, and suicidal thoughts.
“The research has also found, unfortunately, that many people, men in particular, still struggle with the idea of needing to access mental health support,” Lockwood said.
“That is why it’s so important for workmates to be aware of the signs that someone might be struggling, know how to have the delicate but important conversations, and then connect that person with suitable help.”
Lockwood highlighted the alarming statistic that on average, every second day, a construction worker dies by suicide. Between 2001 to 2019, there were 4143 suicides among both male and female construction workers across the country.
This year, over 100,000 workers across more than 900 job sites are expected to participate in Fly the Flag for your MATES. The Flag is a symbol of support for colleagues and the importance of mental health awareness.
