Ark Fire Protection and Bowmer + Kirkland have joined forces to help raise awareness of mental health issues in construction.
Coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day, Ark Fire Protection has rolled out high-visibility jackets across its sites featuring messages such as “struggling doesn’t make you weak”.
The initiative aims to highlight the importance of creating open conversations around mental health and serves as a visual reminder of the challenges everyone, including construction workers, can face.
“This campaign is about reminding people that awareness shouldn’t just be for one day a year, it should be every day,” said Howard Hudson, managing director at Ark Fire Protection.
“By making our sites more open to openness, by asking our mates ‘How are you?… Really?’, and by recognising that mental health is a site safety issue too, we can help create a safer, healthier industry.”
Ark Fire Protection said the high-visibility jackets mark the first step in its collaboration with Bowmer + Kirkland. A larger-scale initiative is currently being planned for late 2025.
Mental health support and advice for CIOB members, past members and related family is available through CIOB Assist. CIOB, in partnership with Anxiety UK, also provides wellbeing support.
The Lighthouse Charity offers 24/7 free and confidential support on all aspects of emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing.
24/7 helplines: 0345 605 1956 (UK) 1800 939 122 (ROI)
Text HARDHAT to 85258 (UK) or 50808 (ROI)
Live chat and more information: www.lighthousecharity.org
