West Gate Tunnel Project AWU Members raise $15,000 for Beyond Blue
In the wake of a personal tragedy a group of AWU members have raised $15,000 for Beyond Blue in memory of their mate and colleague. The group presented Beyond Blue with a cheque on Thursday Dec 5. They wanted to put the spotlight on mental health in construction and have done so by raising the $15,000 in under a fortnight.
Suicide and mental health are arguably among the most stigmatised topics in the construction industry. These stigmas can prevent people from both seeking and offering help. The AWU and its members want to open up discussion on the topics of mental health and suicide in the hope of educating and supporting others.
According to the Blueprint for Better Mental Health in Construction the risk of suicide for construction workers is 53% higher than the risk for other employed men in Australia. Workplaces need to provide clear pathways through which workers with mental health issues can be identified and provided with appropriate care. The AWU support mental health awareness and is proud to have members that are going above and beyond for their friends, family and work mates.
In 2020 picnic day will be also a mental health awareness day where the aim is to raise the bar and the funds donated this year.
