Constructing Support
The Building & Construction Industry is a male-dominated field and faces special challenges such as a higher risk of male health issues including mental health and suicide.
In 2005 there were over 2000 suicides and nearly 80 per cent of them were male. While there are different reasons for this trend and every case is individual, for many males it is difficult to find people to turn to for support.
In 2000, three sudden deaths to construction workers in Canberra sparked change. The OzHelp Foundation was formed to assist all workers in the ACT with counselling and community services to provide support and stop the rising rate of suicides.
Glenn Baird is a basketballer by night and counsellor by day, assisting men in the construction industry with any problems they may have.
