Health Minister Greg Hunt joined construction workers on site at the new Ti-Tree aged care facility in Mornington today ahead of R U OK? Day on Thursday, September 14.
The Turnbull Government is supporting MATES in Construction to deliver an integrated program of training and support to prevent suicide and improve mental health in the construction industry.
Minister Hunt said the Government had made mental health a priority and was transforming the way mental health and suicide prevention services were delivered in Australia.
“Sadly, we lose 190 construction workers every year to suicide,” Minister Hunt said.
“This is an unacceptably high number. R U OK? Day is about changing that statistic and about saying to everybody – ‘it’s fine to reach out, it’s fine to say I need help’.
“Most importantly, if you see someone you think might not be ok – just ask them, have a chat to them and keep an eye on your mates.”
This year’s theme for R U OK? Day is ‘You’ve got what it takes’ – reinforcing that we’ve all got what it takes to look out for one another, to support those who may be struggling and to ask ‘are you ok?’ of anyone we’re worried about.
MATES in Construction has partnered with R U OK? to Fly the Flag for suicide prevention at construction sites around Australia on R U OK? Day on September 14. Construction workers across the country are encouraged to ask their mates “are you ok?”.