Foremind Partners with JWLand

Foremind is proud to partner with JWLand to pioneer a mental health initiative by two local Canberra companies

Foremind is proud to announce our partnership with Canberra-based development company JWLand, to introduce a comprehensive mental health program for construction workers.

The initiative was launched at JWLand’s Northbourne Village development site on Friday the 19th of May. Director of Construction, Aaron Ackland, says the addition of Foremind’s program to the company’sexisting systems is a response to the pressures workers experience in the construction industry. Ackland says he was shocked to discover that construction workers are six times more likely to die from suicide than a workplace injury and that, in Australia, a worker dies by suicide every two days.

That suicide rate is 80 per cent higher than for the population as a whole.

“Construction work has its own physical and mental challenges. For example, a six-day working week if not appropriately managed can have an impact on relationships and overall well-being,” Ackland said.

He says JWLand has already set up a service, through the company’s own HR department, to offer psychological support should staff require it. Now the Foremind program will enhance that support and extend a level of service to its subcontractors on their construction sites.

The program aims to put a mental health resource in every worker’s pocket. Foremind offers steps bywhich the worker can engage with assistance, either through online resources or directly with acounsellor by phone, online or face-to-face. The initial service is completely confidential andoperates at no cost to workers.

The initiative was launched at the Northbourne site during a toolbox talk that included a BBQ for all members of the project, including subbies.

CEO of Foremind, Joel Anderson, emphasises that all his company’s counsellors have experience in the sector and that all programs are specifically tailored for these workers. Anderson himself previously worked in construction and engineering and has had his own struggles with mental health in the past.

“In industries like mining, transport and construction, the culture has a bit of a reputation for being blokey and just urging people to have a cup of concrete and harden up,” Anderson says.

“What typically happens is that workers won’t admit they have a problem until they’re at crisis point. Our program makes it easier for them to get help before that happens.”

We are proud to partner with JWLand as our first first commercial partner in our home city.

Find out more about how we are improving mental health for workers and supporting companies manage their Psychosocial Hazard compliance!