Ardmac, the leading International construction specialist, has announced that it has selected two mental health charities to support in 2019 as their nominated charities. Ardmac has chosen Pieta House and Manchester Mind as they focus on the issue of mental health. This follows a campaign launch in late 2018 to help tackle and challenge mental health issues within the construction industry.

There has been an increase in the number of employees in the industry suffering from mental health issues. As a result,  Ardmac is aiming to help tackle this issue through raising vital funds for both Pieta House and Manchester Mind.

In 2018, Ardmac raised over €40,000 for charities through various initiatives. These initiatives included friendly football leagues, bake sales, the Ardmac Chorus group and sponsorship of local clubs and teams across its European operations. Ardmac hopes to raise even more funds for charities in 2019.

Speaking on the charity partner announcement, Ronan Quinn, CEO of Ardmac, said; “We are delighted to be supporting two very worthy nominated charities in Pieta House and Manchester Mind this year. At Ardmac, we are committed to playing our part in tackling the issue of mental health in the construction industry and so working with these charity partners is a natural fit for us. We are proud to support the excellent work that Pieta House and Manchester Mind carry out in their fields and we hope to raise significant funds for them over 2019.”

About the charities

Established in 2006, Pieta House has helped over 40,000 people to date in suicidal distress or engaging in self-harm. The charity provides a free of charge professional one-to-one therapeutic service. Staffed by 270 therapists, they support people who are experiencing suicidal ideation, people who have attempted suicide and people who are engaging in self-harm.

Kieran Brady, Director of Funding & Advocacy Pieta House said “Pieta House would like to sincerely thank Ardmac for supporting Pieta House and raising the awareness of positive mental health. We are tackling the stigma surrounding mental health issues within the construction industry and its workforce. Ardmac’s workplace initiatives will have a positive impact on people seeking help by reducing the mental health stigma, changing norms and attitudes towards seeking professional help”.

Manchester Mind is a local voluntary sector organisation providing essential mental health services to people in Manchester. It is committed to improving the lives of people with mental health needs in the area and delivers a wide range of services to support people’s mental health. Last year, over 5,000 people received support, information and training from Manchester Mind.

Joanna Huddart at Manchester Mind said, “Mental health issues do not discriminate and will affect us all at some stage of life – regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, income or class, either directly or perhaps for a friend, work colleague or family member. By supporting Manchester Mind this year, Ardmac can make a lasting impact on the help we can offer children, young people and adults in mental distress. We raise all our own funds locally, so sincere thanks to Ardmac for being there for people who are struggling this year.”

Sky Blue

As an organisation, Ardmac is committed to encouraging wellness through fitness and lunchtime activities, as well as offering support for employees on maintaining a positive and active lifestyle.

Ardmac has also launched a new CSR programme, Sky Blue, which will provide a framework and structure for its corporate responsibility objectives. As part of this, Ardmac is reviewing its fleet , plastics and supply chain to develop sustainable practices. Ardmac is also partnering with Business in the Community UK to achieve this.

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