Today is 14th September, R U OK Day. The R U OK organisation has a fantastic set of free resources for young apprentices to support each other, on the Be A Mate page.

They're there to help apprentices in supporting each other through a tough time, and start the initial conversation. It's often those around us who are best placed to understand where we're coming from and lend initial support during times of need. 

R U OK has wonderful resources to get the ball rolling. For making changes in the workplace, MATES In Construction offers workplace training. Not only that, but they also offer a 24/7 hotline for anxiety, situational distress or anything you need to get off your chest. Read more about their program below.

Having close mates and connections at work can make all the difference for people struggling with their mental health.

Research shows that friendship, connection, and support are measurable indicators of better health all round and are especially important for people struggling with their mental health or thoughts of suicide. This is why the MATES in Construction model – where workers are given the education around mental health and suicide prevention that can help them to provide meaningful support to their mates – is so effective.

MATES in Construction is a suicide awareness and prevention program that is designed specifically for the Australian construction and allied industries to reduce the high levels of suicide in the workforce. MATES offers an integrated program of training and ongoing support that creates a workplace community of ‘mates looking out for mates’ and provides ways for the industry to take an active role in improving the mental health and wellbeing of workers.

The MATES training consists of three levels that raise awareness about suicide, its contributing risk factors, and how we can all be part of the solution. General Awareness Training (GAT) should be undertaken by everyone and is only 30 minutes long. Next is Connector training which is more in-depth and takes around half a day to complete – MATES recommends around 5% of your workforce take this training. Both GAT and Connector training are provided FREE OF CHARGE and a time and place that suits you. The third level is a two-day workshop called Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) and provides the skills to assist a person at risk and work closely with them for their ongoing safety and wellbeing.

MATES also offers FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL support services to everyone in our industries and your immediate family. There is a 24/7 helpline and for those who need more support, local Case Managers who can connect you up with the specific help you need.

The aim of the MATES helpline and other support services is to save lives, but it is not just about suicide. They will help you through even the smallest issue that is causing you distress, anxiety, or any other negative emotion. Small problems can become big problems, so contact MATES sooner rather than later. You might need only one short conversation to get back on track, or you might need something more where they help you develop a plan that suits your individual needs.

MATES also provides critical incident support. They are based locally so the team is available to help whenever you need them, even at short notice. If you experience an incident on site, such as a near miss or fatality, an incident that involves members of the public, or even the loss of a workmate outside of work, the MATES team is available to support your team.

MATES is available to everyone in our industries – from the worksite to the Board room – so if you’ve not had MATES deliver training on your site or in your workplace, or if you want more information, contact them today on 08 83730122 or at saenquiries@mates.org.au

If you or someone you know is not travelling well, call the free 24/7 helpline on 1300642111.