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Press Release

Published: October 18, 2021

The UK’s largest dedicated trade association representing the Scaffolding and Access industry has welcomed a new campaign launched after half of adults in England say that the pandemic has negatively impacted their mental health.

It is the first campaign by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), launched on 1 October with the aim of tackling health inequalities across the country.

It aims to help adults improve their mental wellbeing and empower them to look after their mental health by directing them to free, practical tips and advice.

Individuals can access the ‘Every Mind Matters’ platform and answer 5 simple questions to receive a tailored ‘Mind Plan’, giving them personalised tips to help deal with stress and anxiety, boost their mood, sleep better and feel more in control.

Recent research carried out by the OHID also revealed that over a third of adults are unsure what to do to help improve their mental wellbeing.

Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association welcomed the new initiative commenting “The construction industry must be more proactive in tackling the huge problem it has with the lack of wellbeing support”.

He added “Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures show that more than 2,000 construction workers took their own lives in the UK in the decade to 2017 which is more than four times the number of construction workers killed during the course of their duties for the same period”.

The campaign is supported by a coalition of leading mental health charities, including CALM, The Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Innovations, and a range of commercial, third sector, NHS and local authority partners, who will share mental health messages with their customers, members and colleagues, including Mental Health First Aid, carers organisations and more. 

Better Health – Every Mind Matters offers information and videos to help young people look after their own mental wellbeing and will be promoting them through social media channels and in schools. The website also provides dedicated support to help parents and guardians look after the mental wellbeing of the children and young people they care for.

Notes for editors

The Scaffolding Association is the UK’s largest dedicated trade association representing the Scaffolding and Access industry.

The construction sector employs 2.7millon people, contributes over £100bn to the UK economy which is 7% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Press Contact: Chris Seaton – [email protected] or 07979 531464