JANUARY 27th – New figures reveal a surge in tradies reaching out for mental health support during the difficult December-January holiday period.
Calls to the national counselling line run by construction industry safety net Incolink increased 68% in December year-on-year, with 441 tradies taking this potentially life-saving step.
In January, 176 tradies have called as of the 21st, with the number on track to hit 315 by the end of the month, a 39% year-on-year increase for the combined Dec-Jan period.
This follows a campaign encouraging construction workers to call the free and confidential 24/7 service, at a time when worksites shut down, and mental health risks increase. Construction workers are 84% more likely to take their own lives compared to those in other industries, and the pressures of the holiday period make them even more vulnerable.
Incolink's counselling line connects tradies with professional services to help with anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts, addiction issues, relationship difficulties, grief, and financial stress.
Melbourne construction worker Kevin Elms knows how hard it can be to reach out for help, but also what a difference Incolink's counselling can make.
"When my Dad passed away, I couldn't be there to say goodbye. He was everything to me, and I just had this feeling eating away inside of me. It was affecting everything, especially my family life", Mr Elms said.
"At first I thought, 'How can talking to a stranger help?' But the counsellor was so good, and after the call it was like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. People could see the change in me."
"It's great to see more tradies are picking up the phone and asking for help, especially over Christmas and the New Year. That's when things can get really tough", Mr Elms said.
This increase in tradies seeking support coincides with Incolink's mental health program, 'Bluehats', receiving full accreditation with Suicide Prevention Australia.
The Bluehats program has provided on-site mental health awareness sessions for nearly 100,000 workers in Victoria, while training up a blue hardhat-wearing army totalling 670 volunteers as designated support people. Incolink also runs a Bluehats-inspired program in New South Wales, and is considering expanding the service to other states.
Kevin Elms became a Bluehat himself, after a friend in the industry attempted suicide. He wanted to be able to better support his colleagues when they're doing it though.
"A lot of the guys who are struggling might not walk up and tell you", Mr Elms said.
"The training teaches you to watch for the signs that something's wrong, and how to start that first conversation."
Incolink's EGM of Corporate Affairs Matt Toner said the counselling line and Bluehats program are working together to reduce stigma, get tradies talking, and connect them with the support they need.
"There are more suicides in the construction industry than any other industry, and Christmas is the toughest time of year", Mr Toner said.
"Incolink is committed to providing mental health support wherever and whenever construction workers need it, whether it's a phone call with one of our professional counsellors, or a worksite coffee and chat with a Bluehat volunteer."
"The full accreditation of Bluehats by Suicide Prevention Australia confirms we are delivering a world-leading, industry-best program, to the highest standards of safety, quality and effectiveness."
Construction workers can call the Incolink counselling line on 1300 000 129.
If in crisis call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or emergency services on 000 for immediate assistance.
