Suicide In The Construction Industry And How You Can Help Prevent It

• The statistics behind suicide and mental health struggles in the construction industry worldwide
• Why suicide is prominent amongst construction workers
• How to create awareness around mental health in your workplace 
• Warning signs to look out for in your mates 
• Strategies to intervene and take action when you have reason to be concerned 
• The impacts of COVID-19 on construction workers mental health 
• & much more! 
  
  

Andy Skarda

Head Coach, The Association of Professional Builders

Andy is the Head Coach at the Association of Professional Builders - he the team of Executive Business Coaches and also works exclusively with owners of residential building companies to fast-track their results through 1 on 1 mentoring. 

Andy has a wealth of knowledge owning and leading business across the world for decades.

From his experience, he says, "I discovered the 2 fundamental things that separate successful companies from those that are headed for trouble. Firstly, that all businesses can be broken down into 5 manageable and functional disciplines. And secondly, successful companies create or capture, and then develop and repeat, successful systems."

Andy resides in Sydney, Australia as a passionate (and very vocal) rugby union supporter with 2 grown sons and 4 growing granddaughters.

Nick Thompson

Industry Engagement Coordinator, MATES In Construction

Nick is an AASW accredited social worker who has worked with companies across Queensland to implement the Australian Building and Construction Industries Blueprint for Better Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. Starting with MATES in June 2019, Nick brings significant experience in program management from his time at Relationships Australia Queensland, managing domestic and family violence contracts and programs. 

Having worked with small three person companies to Tier One Builders, Nick’s experience in the implementation of the Blueprint via activities on site builds upon his case management & clinical skills in the not-for-profit sector.

Nick has a professional interest in supporting survivors of trauma and adversity having completed a Global Certificate in Mental Health: Trauma & Recovery from Harvard in 2018 alongside his Masters in Social Work and Graduate Certificate in Men’s Behavior Change.

Nick is the Chairperson of the Domestic Violence Action Centre servicing Ipswich & Toowoomba and growing up the son of an electrical technician is motivated by the work MATES does to support blue collar workers and their families.