Tackling mental health issues in the Australian construction industry

Addressing mental health issues in the construction industry has become a priority for industry leaders and organisations including BuildUp Australia and the Association of Professional Builders (APB).

BuildUp Australia, a mental health initiative, was designed to consolidate the industry creating 'chapters' or inner circles to connect business owners with peers in similar trades.

Co-founder of BuildUp Australia, Adrien Mamet, identified the need for such a platform. 

“When a peer of mine spoke up about their mental health struggles, it sparked insight into the culture of silence and isolation that has for so long been deeply ingrained in our industry,” Mamet said.

“It was at that moment that I knew something had to be done.”

With the same mission, the APB, guided by co-founders Russ Stephens and Sky Kolade, aims to implement the right systems and training to not only strengthen businesses but to improve the long-term mental health of builders.

“Our ethos has always been to create an environment where builders can learn, support, and mentor each other, while creating a solution for these challenges together,” Stephens remarked.

The recent APB’s State of Residential Construction Industry (SORCI) report highlighted the industry's increased focus on mental health and work-life balance over the past year.

Mamet, who has over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, knows the difficulties of handling stressors alone. He believes isolation and workforce pressures have led to "the worst rates of suicide and burnout of any profession in the country.”

BuildUp Australia member, Kevin Timmins, credited the initiative for improving his mental health and business growth.

“Getting the chance to talk and relate to other builders about the issues we’re having has been incredibly relieving to know we’re not alone,” Timmins said.

With over 750 members spread across countries including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States, APB has become the industry's preferred coaching company.

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