Mental Health Minister, Matt Doocey, has joined MATES in Construction and ASB for World Suicide Prevention Day for the launch of the Construction Industry Wellbeing Survey.
“The theme of today is ‘Changing the narrative on suicide’ this means reducing stigma, reinforcing that it’s okay to not be okay, and encouraging people to ask for help. A simple check-in with a mate can make a real difference,” Mr Doocey says.
“New Zealand continues to face stubbornly high suicide rates. Last year, 617 people died by suspected suicide. Behind that number are grieving families, friends, colleagues, and communities.”
In June, the Government launched a new Suicide Prevention Action Plan with an increased investment of $16 million per year.
“The plan has 21 new health actions and 13 new cross-agency actions to improve access to suicide prevention and postvention supports, grow a workforce that is able to support those at risk of, or affected by suicide, and strengthen our focus on prevention and early intervention,” said the Minister.
“We’ve launched Top Up a new wellbeing promotion campaign, begun rollout of crisis recovery cafes and funded peer support workers in emergency departments.
“Whether it’s you, your child, a friend, or a family member, reaching out for support, this Government is committed to ensuring support is there.
“Everyone has a role to play in suicide prevention. New Zealand has come a long way in becoming more open to talking about mental health, and we are backing this up by putting more money into suicide prevention than ever before so Kiwis can be met with timely support.”
The wellbeing survey will be released on the MATES in Construction website today.
“We’re proud to be part of such an incredible industry and to have the privilege of hearing directly from over 3,300 workers who paused on sites across Aotearoa in July and August to share their experiences and well-being insights,” said MATES Research Lead, Dr Lauren Donnan.
“This research provides the most up-to-date insights from one of the largest community-based well-being surveys in the country, translated into seven languages and reflecting workers from all walks of life.”
