The Clough Foundation is pleased to announce it has renewed its partnership with MATES in Construction (MATES) as a state industry partner.

Clough CEO and Clough Foundation Director, Peter Bennett, said: “We’ve been formally working closely with MATES in Construction for over a year now as we want Clough to be part of the change we need in the industry’s approach to mental health and suicide prevention.

“Compared to our physical health, our mental health issues often go unnoticed, and they are not always visible. Often, those struggling with mental health issues remain silent because of perceived stigmas we have historically associated with mental illness, but the consequences can be much greater. This partnership with MATES aims to support the work they do to break down the stigma associated with mental health.”

MATES in Construction CEO, Liam Cubbage said: “The continued commitment from Clough to stand side by side with MATES on our journey towards a suicide safer and mentally healthier industry is exemplary. It is only through this sort of Industry support that we can continue to make sustainable changes in the lives of the construction community and ultimately work towards world best practice as an industry.”

MATES provides mental health and suicide prevention education and training through development programs on sites, and by supporting workers in need through case management and a 24/7 help line. They serve the construction industry in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia, the energy industry in Queensland and New South Wales, and nationally the mining industry. Working for the construction industry in general, MATES is independent of employers and unions and never works directly for an employer. Programs are delivered across the industry regardless of employer or union affiliation.