Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Scotland has joined forces with SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) to create a new suicide prevention training programme tailored to the Scottish construction industry.

Backed by £239,000 in funding from the Construction Industry Training Board's (CITB) Industry Impact Fund, the initiative aims to equip companies and individuals with the tools to identify colleagues facing mental health challenges and provide meaningful support.

Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Scotland will combine with SAMH to create a bespoke training and resource programme designed specifically for the unique pressures faced by construction workers. 

The construction industry has made significant strides in supporting workers' mental health and wellbeing in recent years, however, challenges remain. This initiative aims to break down the stigma around speaking up and foster a culture where everyone feels comfortable seeking support when they need it.

To ensure the training meets industry needs, Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Scotland and SAMH are inviting individuals from across the construction sector to share first-hand experience and participate in focus groups to help shape the content of the programme.

The training programme is scheduled to launch in Autumn 2025, following the ongoing development phase. The programme and its resources will be available to individuals and companies across Scotland, ensuring the entire industry has access to help.

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Kevin Urquhart, Construction Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Scotland said: "Leading this initiative with SAMH is an important step in tackling a critical issue in our industry. We are extremely grateful to CITB for their financial support, which will enable us to develop a programme that equips workers and businesses with the tools to identify and support those in need. 

"To effectively address the industry's challenges, it's essential that we listen to and work closely with those in construction who can help shape this training. We invite you to join us is in making a lasting difference."

Nicole Burke, Workplace Business Development Manager at SAMH said: "We are delighted to be leading on this essential initiative alongside Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Scotland, to tackle suicide prevention within the construction industry. With suicide rates disproportionately high in this sector, it is crucial that we provide tailored training and awareness to make a real difference.

"Thanks to the generous financial support we have received from CITB, we are now able to develop and deliver a bespoke suicide prevention training product which will be shaped by those in the construction industry, for the construction industry, ensuring it reaches those who need it most."

Vanessa Freeman, Head of Grant & Funding Products at the Construction Industry Training Board said: "The wellbeing of construction workers is a vital priority for CITB, and we are proud to support this fantastic initiative led by Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Scotland and SAMH. The construction industry faces unique pressures, and targeted mental health interventions like this suicide prevention programme are crucial to creating a culture of support and openness.

"Through our Industry Impact Fund, we are committed to enabling innovative projects that address real challenges in the sector, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this initiative will have across the industry. We encourage individuals and businesses to get involved in shaping this programme to ensure it is able to deliver the right support where it's needed most."

Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Scotland supports its employees' mental health and wellbeing across both construction and wider business roles, offering access to a variety of mindfulness resources and tools, such as apps like Headspace. Additionally, the company provides personalised support, including access to SleepStation, a dedicated team that offers tailored plans to improve sleep health.