Walk and Talk Mental Health Initiative

The recent Mental Health Awareness Week prompted this project to develop a ‘walk and talk’ scheme in an attempt to look outside of the box and further eliminate the stigma of mental health concerns – particularly stigmas within the construction industry.

The concept of the ‘walk and talk’ scheme either as a group or an individual involves taking operatives out of the site boundary. This enabled a more informal opportunity for the workforce to discuss any potential issues, concerns or to simply have a chat outside of the work place, and more importantly in the open air.

There are numerous studies indicating that fresh air can boost your mental health, as this increases the oxygen flow within your body. Similarly, there are extra benefits to doing this in the sun, with extra exposure to Vitamin D. According to the mental health charity Mind, physical exercise, including walking, can improve mental health by prompting better sleep, helping to manage stress and also releases ‘feel good hormones’.

The ‘walk and talk’ initiative was received well by the workforce and is going to be continued outside of Mental Health Awareness Week.