The Big Breakfast: Successfully Raising Awareness of Mental Health First Aiders.
On 14th November, we hosted “The Big Breakfast” at our Waterside Restaurant, and we’re thrilled to report it was a great success! Colleagues from across our King’s Cross Head Office attended this informal drop-in event to enjoy a free breakfast and meet the Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAs) based at HQ. It was a fantastic opportunity for everyone to connect with the team and learn more about the support available for mental health via our Reach Out initiative.
But the engagement didn’t stop at King’s Cross. We also hosted local events across our other offices and sites, tailored to introduce their own MHFAs. Many of our teams came together for “Tea & Talks” instead of breakfast, providing a similarly relaxed space for conversations and raising mental health awareness. Across all locations, the response was overwhelmingly positive, and it was wonderful to see employees come together to learn more about the support available to them.
Why Mental Health Matters in Our Industry
The significance of mental health support in the construction industry is clear. The statistics are striking:
- 82% of UK builders face mental health issues due to work-related stress (IGPP).
- Construction workers are six times more likely to die from poor mental health than from a dangerous fall.
- Workers in our industry are nearly four times more likely to take their own lives compared to other sectors.
These figures underscore why our Reach Out initiative is so vital. Our MHFAs are always available — on-site, in the office, and on the road — to offer guidance and support, whether you need it for yourself or to help someone else.
What’s Next?
The success of The Big Breakfast and our local events has continued the good work of encouraging conversations about mental health across the company. Whether you attended or not, please help us to spread the word about the Reach Out initiative. Alongside our team of MHFAs, we have a dedicated helpline that connects to Mental Health Responders, or to Samaritans, whoever the caller feels most comfortable talking to. Mental health is something that affects us all, and we want everyone to know that support is always available.
Thank you to everyone who participated and we look forward to continuing to make mental health a priority throughout our workplace!
