MATES Flags will fly over work sites across the country from September 9 to 13 to celebrate the role of more than 300,000 Australian workers in preventing suicide. As part of this year’s National Suicide Prevention Week, MATES’ annual Fly the Flag will run for five days to recognise the work of MATES volunteers trained to recognise the signs of change in their colleagues and initiate conversations that could save a life.

MATES National CEO Chris Lockwood stated that the World Health Organisation (WHO)-recognised MATES program, which supports the construction, mining, energy and manufacturing sectors, is now integrated into a large part of the Australian blue-collar workforce. “Fly the Flag is a hi-vis strategy to bring an often-hidden topic to the surface so we can help as many people as possible,” Mr Lockwood said.

“At a general awareness level, MATES have trained more than 300,000 people across the construction, mining, and energy sectors. From this, we’ve been able to build a volunteer workforce of over 30,000 volunteers who know how to have the difficult conversations that can save a life.”

Latest research into the potential drivers of suicidal thoughts in construction industry workers shows a strong relationship between job security, demands of work, and suicidal thoughts. “The research has also found, unfortunately, that many people, men in particular, still struggle with the idea of needing to access mental health support,” Mr Lockwood said. “That is why it’s so important for workmates to be aware of the signs that someone might be struggling, know how to have the delicate but important conversations, and then connect that person with suitable help.”

Mr Lockwood highlighted the alarming statistic that on average, every second day a construction worker dies by suicide. Between 2001 to 2019, there were 4143 suicides among both male and female construction workers across the country.

This year, over 100,000 workers across more than 900 job sites are expected to participate in Fly the Flag for your MATES, showing their support for their colleagues and the importance of mental health awareness.

Contact the MATES 24/7 help line at 1300 642 111 or visit mates.org.au