MATES in Construction Western Australia Limited (MIC WA) has been provided with more than $520,000 in grants from the Western Australian Government through Lotterywest and the Mental Health Commission to prevent and raise awareness about the high rate of suicide in the building and construction industry.
MIC WA’s community development health and wellbeing program empowers workers and their families to recognise when someone is doing it tough, what to do about it, and be able to connect them to help. The program includes education (GAT, Connector & ASIST) which is derived from an internationally recognised suicide prevention program, a 24/7 helpline, as well as Case Management service which provides support and assistance for workers and their family.
All of MIC WA’s services are free to workers and their family.
Two grants from Lotterywest’s COVID-19 relief package, totalling $231,467, will assist MIC WA to address the financial impact of cancelled events during the COVID-19 pandemic and help support mental health and suicide prevention for construction workers and their families.
Moreover, the Mental Health Commission has provided MIC WA with a grant of $288,559 for two full-time Case Manager positions until the end of the next year, which will assist with the implementation of the charity’s Case Management service.
The Case Managers will also develop individualised mental health support plans and facilitate suicide prevention training.
Mental Health Minister Roger Cook said the grants will assist MATES in Construction to continue their important work in addressing issues of mental health and suicide of workers in the building and construction industry.
“We know people in this industry have increased factors that can lead to more mental health issues – we are committed to helping ensure they have access to the right support.”
“The MATES case management service assists construction companies and sites to develop a strong support structure, through the development of an internal peer support network, suicide awareness training, and support services for at-risk individuals and their families.”
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Mental Health Alanna Clohesy MLC added COVID-19 has had unprecedented effects on many industries.
“We are working closely with MATES to help ensure they have the resources they need to continue to provide support to the industry,” she said.
MIC WA Acting CEO Liam Cubbage said the pandemic had caused significant disruption to funding sources and fundraising events, and the grant from the WA Government has enabled the MIC WA to move towards a breakeven outcome for the year.
“The Government is right behind our mission to reduce the over representation of construction workers in Australia’s tragic suicide toll.”
MATES in Construction WA operate a 24/7 support line on 1300 642 111. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in a crisis situation or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 for free counselling.