R U OK? Day, celebrated on 14th September 2023, serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of mental health and the value of genuine conversations. This year's theme, "Are they really ok?", encourages us to delve deeper and truly understand the well-being of those around us.
Joanne Croft, General Manager at CivilEdge, highlights the significance of such conversations, stating, "It's important to have conversations to encourage checking in on how your friends, family, and colleagues are, and how vital it is to have regular, face-to-face and meaningful conversations about life and mental health."
We are fortunate to partner with our Employee Assistance Programme, TELUS Health, who continually provides invaluable support and resources to our team. As part of their commitment, TELUS Health has developed informative flyers, such as the "Knowing the Signs" poster attached below, to aid in recognising and addressing mental health concerns.
In addition to our partnership with TELUS Health, we also recognise the incredible support provided by the MATES organisation. MATES has been a pillar in the construction industry, offering tailored mental health programmes and resources. Their dedication to suicide prevention and their commitment to fostering a culture of open communication about mental well-being is commendable. Their initiatives, ranging from awareness training to direct support, have been instrumental in changing the narrative around mental health in the construction sector.
Let's take a moment to check in with those around us, not just today but every day.