To coincide with national Time To Talk Day on Thursday 2nd February, blu-3 has continued its roll out of mental health app Ownminder at Paddington Square, a major regeneration project in London where blu-3 is providing utility services to client Sellar Design and Development Ltd and Mace. Ownminder is the first app-based mental health solution focused on servicing the needs of the construction industry to motivate all workers to maintain their mind fitness.
The risk of suicide within the construction industry is over three times higher than the male national average, with two suicides reported every day. The new app is designed to be a preventative measure for mental health issues, building mind fitness in the same way people would work out physically by doing daily exercise. It provides tools for people to prevent a mental health emergency so action can be taken before a breakdown occurs.
Ownminder was created in collaboration with founding partners blu-3, DGP Logistics, Erith, Lucas UK and Morrisroe, who have all invested in the production of the app, as well as the approach behind it to do more than just talk about mental health, but to also listen and provide a solution.
Tom Storey, Director at Ownminder comments: “We are excited about how Ownminder is already evolving to keep up with its users’ needs. We are aware that having an app on your phone is not enough to keep people motivated and engaged, we need to continue investing time to workforces through visits, toolbox talks and creating clear programs of activity to maintain their mind fitness.”
Shane Fay, HSEQ & Sustainability Director at blu-3, says: “Over the coming months, we will be visiting Paddington Square numerous times to hold briefings with the teams, as well as listening to any concerns and providing tailored support to address any issues. Our new approach focuses on allowing our teams to do all the talking, whilst we are here to listen and ensure our workforce is really benefitting from this tool.
“Craig Boyle, Project Manager for blu-3 at Paddington Square, was instrumental in building this app and was one of the first people from the construction industry involved in the testing stages, so it’s really exciting for him and his workforce to see the official introduction of Ownminder at their site.”
“Mental health and wellbeing is something we take incredibly seriously at blu-3. We already have our own company-wide initiatives in place, including having over 25 trained mental health first aiders located in offices and on every site. Our workforce is our most valuable asset and joining forces with Ownminder reinforces our commitment.”
For more information on Ownminder, visit ownminder.com.
