Foundations Up Construction joined a team from Sweet Track Counselling to complete the Somerset 100 Cycle Ride on Sunday 19th May, to raise awareness of low-cost counselling services.
The team cycled 100km in the Mendip Hills and raised over £1,000 for Sweet Track Counselling, a not-for-profit community interest company that offers free and affordable counselling, funded through donations and grants.
“Mental health in construction is an issue that often goes unnoticed by the wider public,” says a spokesperson for Foundations Up Construction. “Over a quarter of all work-related illness in construction is caused by stress, depression and anxiety. It is so bad here in the UK, that every single working day, two construction workers take their own lives. Men in the construction sector are the most likely to commit suicide, second only to miners, being nearly twice as likely to do it than men in the general population. This trend is getting worse too.
“Local organisations to support and help construction workers are a great way to address this serious problem. “Sweet Track is based in Glastonbury, so they are in a position to help construction workers (and others from all walks of life) from all across Somerset by offering affordable counselling services to all local people who need it.
“Having a qualified counsellor discuss your difficulties and concerns provides a non-judgmental space where problems can be aired and somewhere you will be listened to attentively. One of their experienced counsellors will work collaboratively with their clients to help you gain a greater understanding of themselves while discovering coping strategies and enhancing overall wellbeing.”
If you feel that you need support, contact Sweet Track, or you can make a donation on their Just Giving page if you would like to support their work https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sweettrackcounselling
