Construction firms urged to support suicide research

Phoebe Savill, a trainee clinical psychologist and postgraduate researcher at Lancaster University, is researching experiences of suicidal thoughts in the UK construction industry.

Blackpool-based construction firm Evolution has thrown its support behind the project, with managing director JJ Fitzgerald supporting and encouraging any member of his team who wants to take part.

“The construction industry knows only too well, and all too often, the effect suicide has right across the community,” Mr Fitzgerald said.

“We want to show our support and create an environment and a society where people feel safe to talk and seek help.

“By taking part in this research, we’re helping to shine a light on an issue that is too often kept in the dark, and we’re contributing to real, lasting change.

“We’re aiming to send a message that Evolution stands united in support of our colleagues, families and friends across the construction industry, in all workplaces, and throughout the wider community.”

By backing Ms Savill’s research, Evolution is hoping other construction businesses across the UK will follow suit.

Ms Savill is looking to those who have had suicidal thoughts 12 months or more ago, who were working in the construction industry at the time, to give up an hour of their time to talk with her as part of her research.

She is researching those who did not go on to attempt to take their own life, so she can understand what support has been helpful at reducing the number of suicides.

Similar research in Australia has resulted in a reduction in suicides in the construction industry.

Ms Savill said: “I hope this research will add to understanding why these rates in the UK construction industry are so high and what support and changes within the industry could be helpful.”

Recent research from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) found that 28 per cent of respondents had experienced suicidal thoughts in the past year.

Anyone in the construction industry who wants to find out more about taking part in Phoebe’s research is asked to contact her at p.savill@lancaster.ac.uk