Mental health is recognised as one of the key training priorities for CITB NI who, over the past few years, has invested over £50k in training hundreds of participants in this area.
Throughout the Covid-19 crisis the authority has been working with mental health and wellbeing partners, including the social enterprise Inspire Workplaces, to provide a range of support services for registered employers and staff.
Since March, CITB NI has worked with Inspire Workplaces to provide services including a 24-hour confidential helpline as well as a range of webinars covering topics such as stress and anxiety, bereavement and loss and addiction support. Online webinars and services will continue until the end of 2020 with the hope of extending this support for the industry into 2021.
Working in partnership with employers to identify key areas of importance is essential to the development of relevant training. Regular communications with employers ensures that CITB NI provides key training and services that supports employers with the mental health and wellbeing of all of their staff.
Barry Neilson, CITB NI Chief Executive said, “Supporting the industry in the area of mental health and wellbeing is one of the key priorities for our training. Prior to Covid-19 we had been working with partnership providers, such as Inspire Workplaces, and employers to develop a series of programmes. We are very aware of the difficulties and challenges facing the construction industry and we are committed to working within our partnership networks to ensure that we are doing everything we can to help, support and guide our industry by providing the access to quality training.”
Supporting CITB NI’s mental health training programme, Maria Bradley HR Director from registered employer Gilbert-Ash said, “Mental health awareness and support for our employees is very important to our company, so we were delighted to have the opportunity to avail of CITB NI mental health training. Removing the stigma around mental health is a challenge for all industries but with this support from CITB NI and coming together as one, we are breaking down barriers.”
Group Director of Inspire Professional Services, John Conaghan added: “We’re delighted to be able to work with CITB NI in providing mental health and wellbeing support to thousands of people across the Northern Ireland construction sector. For anyone struggling, feeling overwhelmed, or simply in need of someone to talk to, now more than ever, we’re here for you.”
For further details on CITB NI
visit www.citbni.org.uk
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