Construction workers have been encouraged to open up about their feelings during a visit to their workplace by James Bulger’s mum.
Denise Fergus made the trip to Wates Construction’s Tamworth office site as part of a fundraiser for Mental Health Awareness Week.
This year is the 30th anniversary of the abduction and murder of two-year-old James from Merseyside.
Denise’s visit was organised by the James Bulger Memorial Trust as an opportunity to talk about the spike in suicides in the construction industry and the importance of mental health.
Men in the UK are three times more likely to die by suicide than women.
However, figures show that in the male-dominated construction industry men are three times more likely to die by suicide than the national average for men.
This means construction now has the highest suicide rate of any industry.
Trust chairwoman Kym Darby, who also works for Lichfield’s Legionella and Fire Safe Services, said: “It’s so important to talk, especially in the construction sector where mental health is still a bit of a taboo subject.
“Denise spoke about how important it is to open up, she talked about her book, and that she had to revisit a lot of bad times, but also about how cathartic it was to open up, it was the best thing she had ever done.”
Denise said: “I cannot stress enough to people how important it is to talk to someone if you are struggling with your mental health. I tried to keep my feelings to myself after losing James and it didn’t help.
“What did help me was five years ago when I told my story in my book, ‘I Let him go’ – it wasn’t until afterwards I realised that talking about everything to the book writer was the most cathartic thing I’ve done, so I can honestly say it is so important to talk and I urge anyone who’s struggling, to do so.”
The week also saw Denise visit Wate’s office in Wolverhampton and events such as bake offs and sponsored walks held across all Wates sites in England, raising £6,000 for the Trust.
In Tamworth, a breakfast club was held every week for a month with food for residents and contractors cooked by Tennant Liaison Officer Glenn Currie.
The money raised will help to fund ongoing operations by the Trust to help and support families who have been affected by crime, grief and illness.
Wates Regional Managing Director, Stewart Reid, said: “We recognise that mental health is an ongoing challenge for the sector; therefore, supporting positive wellbeing is a key priority for Wates as we continued to invest in training, services and resources for our staff, customer and the community.
“We are proud that the activities held throughout the week have generated important funds for the James Bulger Memorial Trust, with match funding from the business. The charity provides invaluable support to young people and their families in the face of adversity.”
- The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity provides emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to construction workers and their families. Anyone who may need help can call 0345 605 1956 or text HARDHAT to 85258.
