Housebuilder Vistry Group held mental health awareness events for staff at locations in Stafford and Telford on Thursday (13 October).
Vistry Mercia, which has its headquarters in Stafford, held the events at each of their developments, most notably their new sites Partridge Walk in Stafford and The Quarters @ Redhill in Telford.
Site managers from the developments gave talks on the importance of mental health and well-being and this was followed by pizzas and drinks being provided for everyone to share lunch together on site.
Freya Halsall, marketing manager for Vistry Mercia, said: “World Mental Health Day falls on 10 October, so we thought this would be the right time to focus on mental health awareness among our staff.
“We’re aware that suicide and depression rates in the construction industry are higher than the national average, so it is vital to make sure we are looking after our employees.
“It was great to see all the workers at both sites come together to have lunch as a group and socialise with each other. We look forward to holding more lunches where staff can enjoy a pizza and spend time together.”
The events were the start of a new programme to focus on mental health awareness, which Vistry plans to roll out to all its locations in the Mercia region.
Vistry’s national charity partner this year is Papyrus, which is dedicated to the prevention of suicide – the biggest killer of people aged 35 and under in the UK. The charity provides confidential support and advice to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide and anyone worried about a young person, through its helpline HOPELINEUK.
Vistry Group comprises the Bovis Homes, Linden Homes and Vistry Partnerships brands.
To find out more about The Quarters @ Redhill or Partridge Walk, visit bovishomes.co.uk.
