Through the Mosaic Foundation, we are truly privileged to have forged strong and meaningful connections with a diverse array of grassroots organisations. These remarkable partnerships are dedicated to bringing about genuine positive change, particularly in areas such as shelter and equality, healthcare, and the welfare of vulnerable and disadvantaged youth.
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Mosaic Construction | 3 minutes
Partnering to Support Workplace Mental Wellbeing: Q&A with Nick Thompson, CEO of MATES in Construction
Mosaic Property
14/10/24
MATES in Construction is a nationally recognised not-for-profit organisation dedicated to addressing the critical issue of suicide prevention within the construction industry. We are proud to embark on a new partnership with MATES in Construction QLD/NT, united in our mission to create safer and more supportive work environments while providing essential resources and support to workers in need.
Tragically, construction workers are eight times more likely to die by suicide than by workplace accidents, and young workers are more than twice as likely to take their own lives compared to other young Australian men.
Through innovative programs, support services, and compassionate outreach, MATES‘ approach combines mental health education, awareness programs, and direct support services to help workers facing personal and professional challenges.
By equipping site team members with the skills to recognise signs of distress, fostering open conversations about mental health, and building a culture of care and community, MATES aims to save lives and improve the wellbeing of workers throughout the construction industry.
In accord, Mosaic is deeply committed to the wellbeing of our team, both on and off the job site, as underscored by our ISO 45001 certification for Occupational Health and Safety Management.
With a workforce of over 250 team members and more than 2,500 consultants and subcontractors, we recognise the importance of protecting both the physical and mental health of our people.
With this shared commitment to safety and wellbeing, Mosaic is proud to be the newest partner of MATES in Construction QLD/NT, further supporting their crucial mission.
We recently sat down with Nick Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of MATES in Construction, to discuss the organisation’s mission, the importance of mental health awareness and education, and the vital role community engagement plays in supporting mental health initiatives.
What inspired the creation of MATES in Construction, and how did the foundation begin?
MATES started in 2007. Construction Industry Funds came together due to the high amounts of suicide death claims being paid to families bereaved by the loss of their construction worker family members.
The Australian Institute of Suicide Research and Prevention (AISRP) was appointed to look at rates of suicide in the broader building and construction industry and sadly found rates that were far higher than the broader Australian community and, even more, alarming for young workers and apprentices.
What is MATES approach to suicide prevention in construction workers?
AISRP, in their report, worked with bereaved family members and workmates to understand what was happening to construction workers who took their lives. The report found that workers rarely discussed their multiple challenges with professional services.
“This shaped the MATES program to focus on who construction workers are more likely to seek help from, their MATES.”
The program, therefore, focuses on “help offering”. This means working with peers to understand what some of the signs may be for workers experiencing distress or thoughts of suicide and how to offer help together when needed.
The program is predicated on the entire site network having the skills to support a worker who may feel alone. This is done by undergoing General Awareness Training, followed by Connector Training for peers wanting more skills in offering help, as well as linking into support agencies and ASIST-trained peers who can provide a suicide-safe plan when imminent thoughts or plans of suicide are present for a workmate.
Accredited with Living Works and Suicide Prevention Australia, the MATES program uses evidenced-based intervention to offer help, reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking behaviour.
How do MATES support individuals in crisis or distress?
Onsite-trained peers are the best antidote to distress. Known, trusted and empowered to help.
MATES also offers a 24 hour helpline as well as trained case managers who can support a worker with a formalised case plan to get back on their feet if facing adversity and mental health challenges.
What are MATES’ biggest achievements?
In Queensland, the rates of suicide for building and construction workers have reduced when analysed from the period 2009-2019. This work is largely due to the industry and Connector volunteers taking the time to support their workmates who might be doing it tough.
How can individuals or companies get involved with MATES in Construction and support your efforts?
Undertaking any number of the MATES training offerings at a site level is a great place to start! Aspiring for site accreditation where at least 80-90% of the workforce has undertaken General Awareness, 20% are Connectors, and with at least one ASIST-trained worker present is a tangible goal for any company, team or work site.
“This ensures the site is suicide aware and empowered to support team members impacted by distress.”
What is something you wish the public knew about MATES?
MATES is multidisciplinary and has an all-of-industry approach. This means we support everyone and anyone in the construction industry, big builders, small builders, subbies, small business general labourers to company executives we are here to support anyone in the industry.
What challenges do MATES face?
Queensland is experiencing a construction boom in renewable energy projects, infrastructure, housing boom, hospital and health infrastructure and residential construction projects.
MATES is busy, but this business is manageable. However, meeting demand will present future challenges when large parts of the organisations servicing the industry are tied to state and federal funding.
What goals are MATES looking to achieve in the future?
Research and evidence show that whilst suicide impacts everyone, there are groups within the industry taking their lives far too often.
“Young people and apprentices require industry wide focus and attention in improving the industry for their future.”
MATES Apprentice Resilience and Supervisor Training increasing scalability and impact in the industry is a significant goal for the immediate and long-term future of MATES.
What does the partnership with Mosaic mean to MATES, and how does this impact your mission?
Financial support to MATES means more workers can receive training to reduce stigma and encourage wellbeing. It means more Connectors supporting their peers and more ASIST-trained volunteers ready and capable of stepping in when workers experience thoughts of suicide.
What’s even more meaningful from Mosaic is the commitment and care for their people and teams in providing support, accrediting with the program, and providing a work environment where people can talk and receive support when life throws down the many challenges that face us all.
