MATES in Construction Western Australia has been provided with more than $520,000 in grants from the McGowan Government through Lotterywest and the Mental Health Commission.
Two grants from Lotterywest’s COVID-19 relief package, totalling $231,467, will assist MATES to address the financial impact of cancelled events during the COVID-19 pandemic and help support mental health and suicide prevention for construction workers and their families.
Furthermore, the Mental Health Commission has provided MATES with a grant of $288,559 for two full-time Case Manager positions until the end of the next year.
The Case Managers assist the implementation of the MATES Case Management service, which provides support and assistance to workers and their families in the building and construction industry, including at fly-in fly-out sites across WA, that have been affected by suicide.
In addition, the Case Managers develop individualised mental health support plans and facilitate suicide prevention training.
MATES WA operate a 24/7 support line on 1300 642 111. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in a crisis situation or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 for free counselling.
As stated by Mental Health Minister Roger Cook:
“These grants will assist MATES in Construction to continue their important work in addressing issues of mental health and suicide of workers in the building and construction industry.
“We know people in this industry have increased factors that can lead to more mental health issues – we are committed to helping ensure they have access to the right support.
“The MATES case management service assists construction companies and sites to develop a strong support structure, through the development of an internal peer support network, suicide awareness training, and support services for at risk individuals and their families.”
As stated by Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Mental Health Alanna Clohesy MLC:
“The team and support staff at MATES work tirelessly to support the mental health and wellbeing of those in the building and construction industry.
“COVID-19 has had unprecedented effects on many industries. We are working closely with MATES to help ensure they have the resources they need to continue to provide support to the industry.
“The McGowan Government continues to provide support to organisations and communities on the ground to address suicide and its impacts by investing in a number of services across Western Australia.”
As stated by MATES WA Acting CEO Liam Cubbage:
“On behalf of MATES in Construction WA and the workers and families we support, we express our sincere appreciation to the McGowan Government for the $231,000 funding we received from Lotterywest to offset funding losses due to COVID-19.
“The pandemic had caused significant disruption to our usual funding sources and fundraising events, and the grant from the WA Government has enabled us to move towards a breakeven outcome for the year. The McGowan Government is right behind our mission to reduce the over representation of construction workers in Australia’s tragic suicide toll.”
