New Suicide Awareness Programme to Target Wales Construction Sites

A NEW CAMPAIGN which will see a roll out of posters and other resources such as ‘toolbox talks’ on suicide awareness training is soon to be launched across construction sites in Wales.

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the NHS Wales Suicide Prevention and Self Harm Programme have teamed up to deliver the campaign in an effort to raise awareness of suicide and improve the mental health and wellbeing of people working in the construction industry.

Male suicide rates in Wales are more than three times the rate of women. There are a number of factors that contribute to suicide risk in the industry, including job insecurity driven by short-term contracts, fatigue from long working hours, financial pressures, workplace culture that discourages conversations about mental health, and alcohol and substance use as a coping strategy.

Dr Chris O’Connor, Clinical Lead in the Strategic Programme for Mental Health at NHS Wales Performance and Improvement, said: “Stigma can be a huge barrier to people accessing mental health support. We hope that by raising awareness of suicide risk and mental health, and signposting support offerings available, we will encourage people working in the construction industry to have important conversations about their wellbeing, support each other and feel confident in being able to reach out for support.”

New Suicide Awareness Programme

The new initiative was launched at two events, the first at the site of the new Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff overseen by Sacyr, one of the biggest construction projects Wales has seen in decades, which is due to open in Spring 2027. Julie Morgan, Member of the Senedd for Cardiff North, attended the event, sharing ambitions for people to be able to speak freely without fear of stigma. The second event took place in North Wales on the site of a new school in Flintshire.

Julia Stevens, Engagement Director for Wales at the CITB, said: “There has been lots of positive progress in the construction industry in recent years to raise awareness of mental health challenges, reduce stigma, and enhance access to support. This initiative is one of many taking place across the industry to improve mental health and wellbeing.

“We’re proud that this campaign will further build on this momentum to help us create meaningful change. It’s vital that we look after our workforce and create the right culture where people can access to support without fear of stigma, ultimately saving lives.”

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