Thorn Baker Group: Movember 2024: Taking

As November draws to an end, so too does the incredible efforts of Movember - a campaign dedicated to raising awareness for men’s health. It’s a time to reflect on the importance of speaking up about men’s mental health, a topic that demands attention and understanding. Globally, men are dying on average 4.5 years earlier than women, often due to preventable causes. Around 10 million men are living with prostate cancer, and heartbreakingly, every single minute of every day, one man takes his own life. At Thorn Baker, we are proud to stand with Movember in their mission to improve men’s mental health and prevent suicide. Too many men are dying too young, and it’s time for us all to take action.

As specialists in the Construction, Industrial and Facilities Management sectors, we understand the pressures and tight deadlines these industries can often face. Tight deadlines, physically demanding work, job insecurity, and extended periods away from family can contribute to high-stress levels. According to the Office for National Statistics, construction workers are 3.7 times more likely to die by suicide than the national average. This highlights the critical importance of raising awareness and providing the right resources to support workers in this field.

Our Bristol team recently raised money for our charity partner Mates in Mind through a clay shooting day and silent auction in partnership with Ian Coley Sporting Ltd. Mates in Mind promotes and leads on the development of positive mental well-being within the workplace across industries, particularly focusing on construction, transport, logistics, manufacturing, amongst others. As a Mates in Mind Supporter, Thorn Baker can access exclusive resources, training and workplace mental health support that extends to our candidates.

We are also proud to partner with Able Futures, a fantastic organisation that offers up to nine months of confidential, no-cost advice, guidance, and support to all temps working through Thorn Baker. We believe it’s essential not only to prioritise the wellbeing of our internal team but also to extend meaningful support to those we work with too. By working with Able Futures, we’re taking an active step towards ensuring that everyone in our network has access to the resources they need to thrive, both personally and professionally.

To drive meaningful change, we must collectively work to educate men on the importance of maintaining their mental health and reassure them that it’s okay to talk openly about life’s big challenges. This includes creating safe spaces for discussions, offering effective support services, and advocating for a wide range of issues that men may face, such as depression, anxiety, difficulties with focus, or challenges with social interaction. At Thorn Baker, we are committed to fostering a supportive environment where men feel empowered to address their struggles and seek help instead of suffering in silence.

Here are some of the ways we create that space for openness and support.

• Weekly Check-ins – Regular team meetings with managers allow the opportunity for open communication, helping to alleviate stress by fostering a dialogue about challenging issues and provide peer support. Workplace stress can aggravate existing mental health issues, making it essential to address and minimise the factors that contribute to stress.

• Walking Challenges & Cycle to Work Scheme – Physical activity offers numerous health and emotional benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease and strokes, while also enhancing mood, self-esteem, sleep quality, and overall energy levels. At Thorn Baker, we actively promote the benefits of staying active through our Outdoor Club, which has taken on exciting walking challenges in iconic locations like Helvellyn, the Lake District, and other stunning peaks. Beyond walking, our team enjoys participating in golf, football, and cycling challenges, encouraging camaraderie, fitness, and a positive mindset. These activities not only support physical health but also foster strong connections and a sense of achievement among our colleagues.

• Perkbox Benefits App - Our employees all have access to a wellness hub featuring meditation resources to help manage stress. Additionally, there are workout plans available to encourage physical activity, as well as webinars conducted by wellbeing experts.

Talking about mental health struggles has never been more open or accessible, and we all share a responsibility to look out for those around us, offering help and support if someone we know is struggling. If you or someone you know needs support with their mental wellbeing, there are many charities ready to listen and provide guidance. Sometimes, a simple conversation or signposting someone to the right resources can make all the difference:

• Access quick support by emailing in - https://www.muted.org.uk/

• Attend walks outdoors across the country and connect with others going through similar situations -https://menwalktalk.co.uk/

• Sign up for free therapy sessions - https://www.manup.how/

• Contact these specialists in suicide intervention and prevention - https://www.mensmindsmatter.org/

• Access support for mental wellbeing in construction, transport, logistics and manufacturing - https://www.matesinmind.org/

• Mental health advice for employees and apprentices - https://able-futures.co.uk/