September 10 marks World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) 2022, an annual awareness day created to establish worldwide commitment and action on suicide prevention. With over 6,221 suicides registered in the UK in 2020 alone and on average two construction workers taking their own lives every working day, it is vital we open up this conversation.

We believe breaking the silence and stigma surrounding mental ill-health is a crucial step towards providing a safe and healthy workplace environment, which can play a vital role in suicide prevention.

Michelle Wiles, Patron of Mates in Mind says: “This Suicide Prevention Day, it’s important to reiterate that early intervention is key regarding reducing the suicide rate within construction. It’s vital that individuals who are struggling with their mental health feel they are able to talk about how they are feeling and seek support before reaching that crisis point.

In 2019, my husband Chris suffered a mental health crisis brought on by severe stress, which developed at rapid speed and led to him taking his own life. No one should go through what Chris went through, and no family should go through what we have. Chris never experienced any mental health illness previously so I can’t emphasise enough that if it can happen to him it can happen to anyone.

Education on how to spot the signs that someone could be suffering from poor mental health and having the confidence to “start the conversation” is vital to breaking down the barriers that prevent individuals from reaching out to the available support. Mates in Mind helps everyone to understand their roles and responsibilities when it comes to mental wellbeing and importantly, their approach enables individuals to understand how, when and where they can get support.

No one should be afraid to ask or tell someone that they are struggling. Please do know that you can talk and there is someone there that understands your struggles, reach out to a manager or someone you trust if you are struggling, you are not a failure, there is always a solution”.

Research suggests that open and honest communication about mental ill-health supports steps towards suicide prevention, because these important conversations have the power to increase awareness and understanding, remind people they are not alone and help break the stigma which can be a barrier for those seeking help. In light of this, we are encouraging workplaces across the UK to use this opportunity to begin those vital discussions around mental health in an industry that is in need of change.

Sarah Meek, Managing Director of Mates in Mind says: “Opening up an honest conversation about mental health in the workplace continues to be the most immediate and effective starting point. We cannot underestimate this important first step – helping to provide clear language, create general awareness and supporting people to recognise that everyone has mental health which can vary depending on circumstances and life stresses. We cannot underestimate the impact that work related stress can have too and how a discussion with the line manager can often help and is not to be seen as a weakness or failure to cope.

Our experience in supporting over 650 organisations has shown us that the work we do at Mates in Mind can make a meaningful difference to the wellbeing of an organisation and its people. This awareness day provides an opportunity for workplaces and sites across the country to get involved, look out for your mates, and start a conversation which could in turn save a life”.

NI Water is celebrating having been awarded the Silver Diversity Charter Mark by Diversity Mark. The prestigious award recognises the organisation’s ongoing commitment and continuous progress to advancing Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace.  The award recognised NI Water for expanding its Diversity and Inclusion focus into the communities it serves, becoming the first company in Northern Ireland to sign up to the UK governments Levelling Up goals to help drive social mobility and equality of opportunity across NI. NI Water are one of only two public sector organisations to achieve the Silver Diversity Mark.  They now join 12 other leading NI employers who have also achieved this important standard.

Sara Venning, CEO at NI Water, commented:

“Being awarded the Silver Diversity Charter Mark is a proud moment for NI Water, particularly being one of only two public sector organisations to have achieved this standard to date.  The Charter is recognition of how far we have come on our journey to create a culture where everyone is welcome and included, people are valued and respected for who they are and for the contributions they make in delivering what matters to Northern Ireland.

“NI Water is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and playing our part as a large public sector organisation to support social equality within the communities we serve.

“I would like to dedicate this achievement to the many people across NI Water who play their part each and every day in making NI Water a great place to work.”

Nuala Murphy, Director of Diversity Mark, added:

“Congratulations to Northern Ireland Water on achieving the Silver Diversity Mark Accreditation in recognition for their progress and ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion within the workplace.

“The independent assessment panel noted a very high level of dedication, commitment and ownership to the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion agenda across the organisation, championed by real leadership from the top. This has been critical to the level of success and achievements to date.

“We look forward to continuing to support them as they embed their plans in the future.”

Ms Venning concluded:

“We are very proud of all the hard work and dedication that has gone into achieving this challenging standard of best practice. We have come a long way but we have more to do and exciting times ahead to get us to gold!”

The final phase of Ulster University’s enhanced Belfast campus will open its doors to new and returning students and staff as the new academic year gets underway on 19 September. 

Taking its architectural design inspiration from the shape of the surrounding Belfast hills, the new 75,000m² addition to the campus is one of the largest higher education capital builds in Europe and is set to transform higher education in the city.

In September 2021, the university began to welcome staff and students to the first of the new blocks within this inspiring city centre space, following the launch of the first phase of the redevelopment which saw Ulster University’s founding art school and its historical, creative heart be the first to occupy the enhanced campus.

Regeneration and social impact

Ulster University plays a vital role in the economic development of local communities at campuses across Northern Ireland. The enhanced Belfast campus supports the ambitions for North Belfast as well as the wider city and region, with an estimated investment regeneration impact of circa £1.4bn.

Reflecting Ulster University’s commitment to social mobility, civic engagement, and shaping career potential, the equivalent of over 100 years of training, apprenticeships and placement opportunities have already been provided during the construction phase. Social clauses included in the contract as a condition of the build programme focused on supporting the long-term unemployed, student work placements, and apprenticeships in areas such as mechanical and electrical work, quantity surveying, procurement and supply chain management, accountancy, construction and administration.

Speaking ahead of the start of the academic year, Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Bartholomew said:

“Our new campus will foster creative talent, scientific expertise and enquiry, engineering innovation and entrepreneurial drive all under one roof, and marks a milestone for those who study with us, work with us and partner with us. It drives forward a reimagining of the teaching and learning experience that is deployed across all our campuses, including recent enhancements first introduced at Magee and Coleraine, accelerating innovation in how we do things and ensuring implementation of best practice.

“It’s a campus where our students will fulfil their potential and thrive, with the opportunity to learn and study in a style that suits them, supported by the very latest technology and facilities. It also offers our staff a quality and vibrant place to work, connected to the social, artistic, residential and business community in the area.

“Our campus was one of the few building projects to have remained operational throughout the COVID- 19 pandemic, underlining the tremendous, shared commitment to deliver this project for the incoming academic year. The Belfast campus development has been a huge team effort since its inception and never more so than in these last few months. I want to pay tribute to the dedication and effort of the architects, contractors, countless skilled craftspeople and tradespeople, and the very many colleagues who have worked tirelessly over the years to bring this transformational campus to fruition. Their collective vision, skill and effort are evident around us as we settle in over the weeks and months ahead.

“The campus will be a home not only to those staff and students who will work and study here, but also to colleagues from other campuses and our many external partners who will now bring to life this truly remarkable campus in the city centre.”

Powering Belfast Region City Deal

Reflecting Ulster University’s breadth of disciplines and academic leadership across the creative industries and digital healthcare, the campus underpins the university’s contribution to the Belfast Region City Deal. Both Studio Ulster and the Centre for Digital Healthcare Technology will see Ulster University apply its expertise to these sectors, boosting economic growth and prosperity.

Delivering community benefit and sustainability

For wider society, the city centre campus is also a welcoming environment where students, academics, business and local communities are connected to ever-expanding possibilities. The campus will make a lasting impact on the communities of neighbouring North Belfast, with the University actively involved in projects as a community partner and providing an accessible pathway into higher education.  

The University’s Community Benefit Frameworkdeveloped jointly with Inner North Belfast and Greater Shankill Neighbourhood Renewal Partnerships, works with local communities to maximise the social, educational, environmental and economic benefits of the campus in the city.

Committed to encouraging use of public transport and promoting the benefits of walking and cycling for a healthy, active lifestyle, the university has worked closely with external partners on comprehensive sustainable travel options for the enhanced Belfast campus. This reflects the approach to sustainability across the new campus, from biodiversity rooftops to tree planting around the campus and from renewable technologies to energy efficient ventilation.

When the 2022/23 academic year starts this September, the new Belfast campus will welcome in total over 15,000 additional staff and students to the city, offering a progressive student experience benefitting from innovative learning spaces at the forefront of higher education practice.