Topic People, Wellbeing
Date 17 May 2023
Galliford Try has taken part in the unveiling of a startling artwork made of 687 high-vis vests to represent the annual number of suicides by tradespeople in the UK.
The banner, which has been displayed at Galliford Try’s Charing Cross Road site, has been created to mark Mental Health Awareness Week, with the construction industry representing a disproportionate number of workers suffering from mental health issues.
In 2021, tradespeople accounted for 15% of suicides across all industries, which is more than any other occupation. In fact, construction workers are nearly four times as likely to die by suicide than some other sectors.
The 687 high-vis vests, symbolising each of these individuals, have been stitched together into one 12-metre-tall garment by J&C Joel, a leading fabric manufacturers. The installation was arranged by IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect to coincide with their annual Mental Health in the Trades report.
The Charing Cross Road scheme is creating a new eight-storey commercial office space on behalf of client Lothbury Investment Management.
Vicky Wilson, Wellbeing Lead for Galliford Try, commented: “We were more than happy to play our part and give this banner such a prominent location in central London. The mental health issues facing our industry are still a considerable challenge - despite the good work done so far, and we hope that initiatives such as this one will continue to raise awareness and spark those conversations that can go so far towards helping people to start their journey.”
Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect, said: "We hope that this artwork serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of mental health issues within the trades industry.
“By bringing this issue to the forefront of people’s minds, we hope to encourage more open conversations around mental health and continue our efforts to support those who may be struggling."