HAE well-being campaign gains pace
10 October 2022
Today is World Mental Health Day and the Hire Association Europe and Event Hire Association reports that its initiative to promote mental health across the industry’s workforce is gathering momentum.
A second successful event was hosted recently (above) by Boels Rental UK at the Boels depot in Stoke-on-Trent, which focused on financial well-being. Now a new and even bigger venue is being sought to stage the next session. The #UnitedforMentalStrength initiative is also linking up with agencies like The Lighthouse Club construction industry charity.
HAE EHA now provides an employee assistance programme free for members with up to 100 employees. The association can also direct people to agencies that can help with mental health issues, including Action for Mental Health, Healthy Minds and Mental Health Matters.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) 15 per cent of working-age adults have a mental disorder at any point in time. Stress, depression or anxiety accounts for a fifth of all work-related illness, while statistics reveal that every single working day in the UK two construction workers take their own life.
To address this #UnitedForMentalStrength is a collaborative approach spearheaded by Asif Latief and supported by Paul Gaze (below), CEO of HAE EHA. The aim is to raise awareness of common mental health issues that affect the workforce and can lead to a negative impact on an individual’s well-being. at work.
“The 10th of October is World Mental Health Day but HAE EHA are making mental health and well-being. a priority all year round,” said Asif. “Factoring in the current cost-of-living crisis and soaring energy bills will increase stress levels for a lot of people. However, one thing is clear: there are a lot of resources to get help with your mental health if you know where to look for it.”
Paul Gaze added: “Education is key. Often people don’t feel comfortable raising personal issues and then muddle along until they can cope no longer. Our campaign can help people recognise the signs and symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression before they get out of hand, as well as giving businesses the tools and knowledge to assist employees with recovery.”
Businesses participating in the campaign, which will be promoted at the Executive Hire Show in February, include: Boels Rental, Banner Plant, HSS Hire, SHC Hire, Speedy Hire, Mr Plant Hire, Ardent Hire Solutions, One Stop Hire, Jewson, Adlington, Towergate Insurance Brokers, Sunbelt Rentals, Travis Perkins, Vp Brandon Hire Station, Salford Red Devils Foundation, HSC Group, inspHire and Garic.
