A training solution and app that proactively tackles mental health in the construction industry has been launched.
Ownminder is claimed to be “the first industry-specific proactive psychological health solution” and is backed by a number of major specialist contractors.
It enables construction businesses to provide their employees with a set of tools and strategies to enable them to take a positive, proactive and preventative approach to their psychological health and wellbeing, Ownminder’s creators claim. It provides construction workers “with a deeper understanding of the factors underpinning their own psychological health and enables them to take ownership of their mind fitness, which in turn reduces the risk of poor mental health in the future”. All this is achieved through senior leadership training and onsite toolbox talks content.
The app offers industry-tailored on-demand modules, as well as personalised tools, strategies and techniques that can be incorporated into everyday life to help strengthen mental fitness.
Ownminder provides anonymised reports, including user engagement levels and regularly updated mental wellbeing scores to validate progress.
Ownminder has been created by chartered psychologist Dr Vanessa Moulton and property and construction strategic consultant Tom Storey, backed by a number of specialist contractors.
CEO and co-founder of Ownminder, Moulton said: “There has never been a more important time to launch Ownminder to the construction industry, with our sole mission to create a highly targeted solution fit for a digital age. There is a lot of focus on how we respond to mental ill health and not so much on how to prevent it. We can all positively impact our psychological health if we understand how our minds work and are armed with the right tools. Right now, mental health and fitness should be given as much focus and priority as physical health and fitness.”
Danny Chaney, chairman of infrastructure specialist Blu-3, added: “Very much driven by my own personal experience, I have been championing mental health and wellbeing in the sector for years. Ownminder is with you 24 hours a day to tap into when you need it.”
Brian Morrisroe, CEO of concrete specialist Morrisroe Group, said: “We all care for our workforces and the opportunity to get involved with Ownminder to do something more for them is invaluable.”
David Darsey, MD of demolition giant The Erith Group, said: “Enabling employees to be in control of their psychological health and fitness is incredibly important. As employers, we have a responsibility and a duty of care to ensure our staff across all levels are not just physically safe, but mentally safe too.”
Danny Lucas, executive chairman and MD of fit-out specialist Lucas UK, added: “It’s been a privilege to be involved with the development of Ownminder and be able to help shape its roll out across the industry.”
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