Major Associate Award

MATES in Construction

Over the past couple of years, suicide awareness has gone from a taboo topic to a topic that is starting to be talked about on a daily basis. With the Cconstruction industry being the biggest contributor to the high suicide statistics, change and awareness are needed.

MATES in Construction is a charity set up to provide mental health support and suicide prevention for New Zealand’s construction industry. Its work includes research, advocacy and direct training to support people to have good conversations about mental health and prevent suicide. MATES in Construction This has been instrumental in facilitating this change and providing a service, avenue and teaching the skills for members of our industry to speak up. Their willingness to help and personal approach have been what the industry needs to drive change. If they continue with this approach, going forward hopefully the statistics will improve.

MATES engages with workers through on-site training and providing those identified as at risk with case management support that connects them to suitable professional support. Field Officers are trained in suicide intervention skills and have experience with the building and construction industry. This allows them to engage easily with workers on site. MATES in Construction has attended been making a point to attend many CCNZ Branch Meetings around all of the regions, as well as delivering their General Awareness Courses and training people to support their colleagues and respond to mental health crisesto members.

CCNZ has supported MATES in Construction, entering into a formal partnership agreement and connecting members with direct training and events. This has enabled thousands of civil construction workers to benefit from awareness training and first responder training to support colleagues impacted by mental health issues.

• Previous winners of the Major Associate Award have been Hynds in 2021, and Hirepool in 2019.