MATES in Construction has announced the return of MATES Big Lap 2024, an initiative designed to raise mental health awareness in Construction, Mining, Energy, and Manufacturing sectors.
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Running for the first-time last year, MATES Big Lap united a diverse range of participants in running, walking, swimming and wheeling to cover 80,000km – the equivalent of five laps around Australia, raising over $120,000 through 1490 donations.
This year, MATES in Construction has established the lofty goal of completing nine laps around the country, representing the average number of suicides each day in Australia, with Chris Lockwood, MATES Australia CEO, highlighting the significance of the event.
“In rallying together for MATES Big Lap 2024, we’re not just moving for fitness; we’re moving to make a statement,” he said, “that every step, every lap counts towards breaking the stigma around mental health and turning the tide against suicide in our vital industries.”
According to MATES, male construction workers face suicide rates twice that of other male workers, and are eight times more likely to die by suicide than from a workplace accident.
MATES in Construction is a not-for-profit charity established in 2008 to reduce the high level of suicide among Australian construction workers. It is unique in that it is an industry-led approach to an industry problem. MATES provides suicide prevention through community development and training programmes on sites and support workers in need through case management and a 24/7 helpline.
To learn more about MATES Big Lap 2024 and how to aid the cause, please visit the official website.
If you are feeling like you need to talk to someone or if you suspect someone around you needs help, reach out to:
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Lifeline: 13 11 14
MATES In Construction: 1300 642 111
READ MORE:
- Combatting suicide in construction with MATES’ ‘Fly the Flag’ campaign.
- MATES in Construction milestone in supporting workers.
- Mental health in construction has a new MATE.