At Foreman Homes, we believe that conversations around mental health matter. While World Suicide Prevention Day shines a spotlight on an issue that affects communities around the world, we also recognise the importance of checking in with one another long before anyone reaches a crisis point.
This year’s theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”, encourages us to challenge the stigma, break down harmful misconceptions, and create opportunities for open, honest and compassionate conversations. Sometimes, a simple “How are you doing?” can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.
To mark World Suicide Prevention Day, we spoke to Chris, one of Foreman Homes’ mental health first aiders, about his role, what motivates him to support others, and the impact that listening, understanding and signposting people to the right support can have.
As a Foreman Homes Mental Health First Aider, why is raising awareness and supporting colleagues so important to you?
It is no secret that I have struggled with my mental health all my life. When I was younger, it was the old adage “get a grip”, so I just buried it. Burying it was the only option for me; I didn’t want to be labelled. Looking back, it was…I don’t want to say wrong, but it was a time when you never talked about this. So, by taking this role, it strips away the labelling and makes me stronger, and by being stronger, it helps me to support those who need their voices heard.
Describe your role as a mental health first aider?
My role is a privilege. Having the opportunity to help people, to be a face on site or in the office, is a role that is better than anything because it allows me to listen, share and talk. I take this role very seriously, and I put 100% effort into helping people. When I am on site, I spend a lot of time getting to know people and sitting down with them. I can sit with someone, share stories, and also help break the stigma.
Why do you think so many people still find it so difficult to open up about their mental health, despite the progress we have made societally over the last few years?
I do believe that the stigma is still there, not like it was, thank goodness!
Another reason is that companies appoint any old Joe to do a mental health first aider course so they can say ‘we support mental health’. So, you need to have people in that position who genuinely care and are passionate about making change and talking to people. Sometimes that doesn’t always happen, and as a result, people don’t feel comfortable speaking up.
If you think a friend or colleague is struggling silently with their mental health, what is the best way to support them?
This has happened. We go for a walk, find a safe space, I listen, and then I try to find a way to help and support them. How amazing is that! Simply allowing someone to talk.
Can you tell us about your collaboration with SPEAK UK? What is the collaboration aiming to achieve?
Wow, Speak UK and Alfie Ruffell. Firstly, Alfie should be knighted for what he has done in promoting mental health and wellbeing within the construction industry. These are the words of Alfie:
“Chris and I were introduced through Sam Starmore, and from our very first conversation I could feel how much he genuinely cared about mental health. That conversation became two podcasts, and eventually our first SPEAK visit with Foreman Homes. Still one of the most impactful days we’ve ever delivered.
“That impact didn’t happen by accident. Chris got everyone behind it; site teams, subcontractors, senior leaders and even business owners. He created a space for people to actually come together and talk.
“The day went on to receive national press, but more importantly, it showed what can happen when someone inside our industry genuinely champions change. Chris has continued supporting people at Foreman Homes ever since, and I’m proud that he’s now extending that work as an ambassador for SPEAK.
“This Suicide Prevention Day, that’s the message: Change starts with conversations, but it takes people like Chris to keep them going.”
What’s one message you would like people to take away from National Suicide Prevention Day?
One message: it’s okay not to be okay. There is no shame in what you’re feeling or going through. Help is out there; people like me and Alfie, and other champions of mental health, will never stop helping. Stay Safe.
World Suicide Prevention Day serves as an important reminder that we all have a role to play in supporting mental wellbeing. We may not always know what someone is going through, but taking the time to sit, listen, check in and show compassion can make a big difference.
By changing the narrative around suicide and mental health, we can help create environments where people feel comfortable speaking openly, seeking support and looking out for one another. As Chris’ experience highlights, meaningful change often start with a conversation, but it grows through continued understanding, awareness and action.
At Foreman Homes, we are proud to have colleagues such as Chris who are committed to supporting others and helping to break down the stigma surrounding mental health. This World Suicide Prevention Day, let’s remember that no one should have to struggle alone, and that sometimes the simplest question, “How are you?”, can be the start of changing a life.
