MATES flags will fly over work sites across the country from September 9–13 to celebrate the role of more than 300,000 Australian workers in preventing suicide.
MATES is a not-for-profit charity established in 2008 to reduce the high level of suicide among Australian construction, energy, and mining workers.
The organisation provides suicide prevention through community development programs on sites and by supporting workers in need through case management and a 24/7 help line.
As part of this year’s National Suicide Prevention Week, MATES’ annual Fly the Flag event will run for five days to recognise the work of volunteers trained to recognise the signs of change in their colleagues and initiate conversations that could save a life.
Over 100,000 workers across more than 900 job sites are expected to participate in Fly the Flag for your MATES, showing their support for their colleagues and the importance of mental health awareness.
MATES national chief executive officer Chris Lockwood said the World Health Organisation-recognised MATES program is now integrated into a large part of the Australian blue-collar workforce.
“Fly the Flag is a hi-vis strategy to bring an often-hidden topic to the surface so we can help as many people as possible,” Lockwood said.
“At a general awareness level, MATES have trained more than 300,000 people across the construction, mining, and energy sectors.
“From this, we’ve been able to build a volunteer workforce of over 30,000 volunteers who know how to have the difficult conversations that can save a life.”
For help, contact MATES 24/7 help line at 1300 642 111 or visit mates.org.au
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