LJJ is delighted to share that two of our site management team, Ben Edmonds @SimonGraham, have just completed their Mental Health First Aid training. Ben and Simon were both interested in getting involved with LJJ’s mental health and wellbeing policy, with the goal of being able to support any of their colleagues on site should they need help.

Since both have passed their training, they have held workshops and given very informative TBT to the on-site personnel. They both go from strength to strength at ground level championing this subject.

Comments;

The training was extensive and eye-opening. I was taught so much about spotting signs that people may need help and someone to talk to. This training has given me the confidence to assist anyone who needs it, even if they say they do not want help. I will always ensure they know help is available to them, they are not alone, and people care. This qualification level of training is not limited to construction; therefore, the skills I have obtained from the course will remain with me.
As someone who has experienced mental health, I feel not enough is spoken about how it can affect people working in our industry, though we have one of the highest suicide rates. Men certainly have a default mechanism not to say anything, or can be extremely loud and hyperactive, letting people think they are okay when living in utter chaos. When I did suffer, I wish there had been the support and care I needed from work colleagues around me. It is great to be working with Simon to raise awareness on MH on LJJ sites, and come up with ideas for workshops and TBT talks, where everyone is welcome. LJJ champions mental health as a priority throughout the business, and we give all site operatives at induction reading material to let them know that there are fully trained site representatives within LJJ who are always available to support, care and help.

Ben 04.03.25

Having been selected to attend the First Aid Mental Health training, I now look around the site with a different perspective and approach people with a greeting, ”Are you doing okay?” followed up with ”Are you really doing okay” Asking twice is so worthwhile. I can see it shows you mean it when asking and it was not a throwaway comment, but it comes from a good place and a place of understanding. After the training, I feel better equipped with the insight and knowledge given to me. I took away that you should not be expected to be an expert on mental health, but knowing the available resources can help workers get the support they need. Ben and I have become a great team, brainstorming ideas off each other for workshops and TBT, which we regularly give on site to raise mental health awareness.

Simon 04.03.25