The chief executive of homebuilder Genesis Homes has chosen suicide awareness group ANDYSMANCLUB as his business’ 2024 charity of the year in efforts to encourage more men in construction to talk about their mental health.
Genesis Homes and its sister company Russell Armer Homes will raise money for the charity which hosts weekly sessions welcoming men to open up about their feelings.
ANDYSMANCLUB was established seven years ago following the death of Andrew Roberts, who died of suicide at the age of 23, to offer a place men could gather regularly and talk about their mental health in a non-judgmental environment.
The charity now has more than 150 locations throughout the UK, with further clubs to open in the coming months.
The announcement comes after the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics reveal that there are more than 500 suicides recorded within construction each year – three times higher than the national industry average.
Nicky Gordon, chief executive of Genesis Homes, said: “It is heartbreaking to read the stats about the high level of suicides in construction. It is an industry dominated by men and measures need to be implemented to try to reduce this worrying trend.
“For whatever reason, there has always been a stigma around men showing emotion, talking about their mental health and letting others know they’re struggling as if it is some sort of weakness.
“What ANDYSMANCLUB does is let men know that it’s not a sign of weakness. Conversely, it is okay to talk and share your feelings – that to me shows bravery.
“I have heard so much positivity about ANDYSMANCLUB and how their weekly sessions can provide lifelines for men having a tough time by bringing people together every Monday evening and letting them know they’re not alone in whatever fight they’re fighting.
“The charity has proven that talking can save lives, and we want the construction industry to throw its weight behind this amazing charity and that is why we are so passionate about supporting ANDYSMANCLUB as a business.”
To promote wellbeing at work, Nicky has introduced a number of initiatives at Genesis Homes including regular staff social events, monthly wellbeing walks and encouraged staff to be trained in mental health first aid.
