Homebuilding Chief Encourages Men To Talk About Mental Health -

THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE of a homebuilder is encouraging more men working in construction to talk about their mental health to help reduce high rates of suicide within the industry.

The male suicide prevention organisation Andy’s Man Club has been chosen by Genesis Homes and its sister company Russell Armer Homes as its charity of the year for 2024. The housebuilders will raise money for, and awareness of, the charity which hosts weekly sessions welcoming men to open up about their feelings.

Nicky Gordon, the Chief Executive of Genesis Homes, says he has been touched by the nationwide work Andy’s Man Club’ does to break down stigma about men’s mental health.

Figures from the Office of National Statistics revealed that there are more than 500 suicides recorded within construction each year – the rate three times higher than the national industry average.

Talk about Mental Health

Nicky said: “It is heartbreaking to read the stats about the high level of suicides in construction. It is an industry dominated by men and measures need to be implemented to try to reduce this worrying trend.

“For whatever reason, there has always been a stigma around men showing emotion, talking about their mental health and letting others know they’re struggling as if it is some sort of weakness.

“What Andy’s Man Club does is let men know that it’s not a sign of weakness. Conversely, it is okay to talk and share your feelings – that to me shows bravery.

“I have heard so much positivity about Andy’s Man Club and how their weekly sessions can provide lifelines for men having a tough time by bringing people together every Monday evening and letting them know they’re not alone in whatever fight they’re fighting.

“The charity has proven that talking can save lives, and we want the construction industry to throw its weight behind this amazing charity and that is why we are so passionate about supporting Andy’s Man Club as a business.”

Andy’s Man Club was established in 2016 following the death of Andrew Roberts, who died of suicide at the age of 23. It offers a place men can gather regularly and talk about their mental health in a non-judgmental environment.

The charity now has more than 150 locations throughout the UK, with further clubs to open in the coming months.

Lucas Whitehead at Andy’s Man Club, said: “Thank you to Genesis Homes for selecting Andy’s Man Club as its charity of the year for 2024, and encouraging men working across the male-dominated industry of construction to open up about their feelings.

“As an organisation, we cover communities across the country and we would welcome construction workers, or men from any other sector for that matter, with open arms to any of our clubs. They can find out where their local club is by visiting our website.”

To promote wellbeing at work, Nicky has introduced a number of initiatives at Genesis Homess including regular staff social events, monthly wellbeing walks and encouraged staff to be trained in mental health first aid.

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