$1m milestone for mental health

The partnership between the HIA Charitable Foundation and Beyond Blue has reached one-million dollars, with thanks to the generosity of our members we are able to improve the mental health of our industry.

HIACF chairman Pino Monaco lauded the milestone.

“It is because of the generosity of HIA members that we’ve been able to commit $1 million to Beyond Blue since 2014,” he said.

“The funds donated to Beyond Blue through the partnership have funded a world first National Suicide Prevention Research Project and, more recently, the Beyond Blue Support Service.

“The disturbing reality is that construction workers are more than twice as likely to take their own life as others in the community.

“Support comes at a time where millions of people across the country, including HIA members, are feeling the impacts of the pandemic. For Beyond Blue, the average monthly demand for services has increased 30 per cent during the pandemic.

“Managing a business before, during and after a pandemic can cause considerable stress for people and we want to ensure that support is there for them should they need it.”

Beyond Blue deputy-chair Kate Carnell AO noted the partnership was an important one.

“The ability of the HIA Charitable Foundation to raise this level of funding with the HIA members is exceptional,” she said.

“It really is a case of the industry coming together to look after one another in the spirit of mateship.

“At Beyond Blue, we really appreciate the efforts of the Foundation and its connection with HIA to promote and protect mental wellbeing in the home building industry.

“We look forward to continuing our work with the HIA Charitable Foundation in continuing to support the mental health of our communities together.”

Mr Monaco agreed the work done by HIA Charitable Foundation and Beyond Blue was important to the building industry and wider community.

“It’s been an extraordinarily worthwhile partnership that has developed between Beyond Blue and the Foundation and I will certainly be advocating that it continue for a long time,” he said

“The need for mental health support is real and growing. HIA members are to be congratulated for recognising this need and responding in such a practical way.”