Clough is pleased to announce that The Clough Foundation has signed a partnership with MATES in Construction WA, as part of our drive to improve mental health outcomes for Clough’s employees and their families.

The framework to achieve this is underpinned by The Australian Building and Construction Industry Blueprint for Better Mental Health and Suicide Prevention (2018 – 2020). The Blueprint draws on initiatives that are proven to effectively build mentally healthier workplaces, and Clough is proud to be the first organisation in Western Australia to sign the Blueprint with MATES in Construction WA.

Clough CEO and Foundation Director, Peter Bennett said: “This partnership with MATES in Construction WA is a hugely important step forward in our commitment to supporting the mental health of our people.”

“Clough’s Principles both as a business and as a member of the community place a huge emphasis on the health and wellbeing of our colleagues. MATES in Construction WA will provide our people with specific tools and support to help identify and manage mental health issues and outcomes. We genuinely believe this is something that will make a big impact in improving the lives of those on our sites and extend to their communities. Many of us have had our lives touched by someone who has suffered or succumbed to a mental illness, and any steps we can take to improve these outcomes, are steps we must take.”

MATES in Construction WA Acting CEO, Liam Cubbage said: “The opportunity to partner with The Clough Foundation and have MATES in Construction included in the list of valuable community services and projects that the Foundation supports is a wonderful outcome. The commitment to improving mental health and wellbeing outcomes from industry leaders such as Clough allows us to continue our work to reduce suicide rates and improve the lives of the men, women and families of our construction community. We can’t thank Clough enough for their support.”

Industry research shows that construction workers are six times more likely to die from suicide than an accident at work, and young construction workers are more likely to take their own lives than other young Australians.

As part of the partnership, MATES in Construction WA will train workers to improve mental health and suicide prevention literacy, increase help seeking and help offering, and engage our people to build a strong network in our worksites and offices to promote early intervention and provide support.