“Talking does wonders for people” according to mental health advocate and builder Glen Thurston, interviewed on ‘The Outlet’ podcast today (Friday June 2).

Wānaka based builder Glen Thurston has been open about his own experience with depression. 

He said education, listening and talking is crucial at a national level, not just within the construction sector.

“I’m happy to talk to anyone. I’ve got no magic answer, but I’ve got ears and I do listen. 

“And I think if everyone learns how to do that and realise that they’re not needing to actually fix people, they're just there to be able to relate, respond. 

“And if it is bad, know where to take them, help them.”

Glen’s awareness campaign to climb Corner Peak 53 times, in as many days (to highlight the number of suicides each year in construction) “blew up” and he is now spearheading conversations about mental health, speaking to educators, media, industry groups and those in parliament. 

Glen Thurston during the ‘Turn the Corner’ awareness campaign

He wants Central tradespeople to take part in an online survey about mental health and well being support for construction workers. 

“Our help now by filling out this short survey will potentially help us all as construction workers get the support we need, Not what the people behind the keyboard think we need. Have you say and be part of reshaping the future support we as tradies need.”

The research is part of an Otago Polytechnic Master of Professional Practice to better understand how mental health and wellbeing supports can be specifically designed for the building trades and construction industry workforce.

Counsellor and researcher Liza Thomas-Pye said her project is “absolutely relevant as the industry heads towards tough times”.

“I’ve heard from over 350 tradies and construction workers so far but I’d love to hear from as many as possible,” Liza said. 

Respondents need to be over 18 and employed within the NZ building trades and construction industry, irrespective of role, specialty, or size of workplace. 

The 20 minute long anonymous survey is split into five sections covering: how confident are you talking about mental health and wellbeing, what mental health and wellbeing supports are currently available in your workplace (if any), what mental wellbeing supports would you like made available to you (if any), how can mental wellbeing practitioners support tradies better, and a demographics section. 

Click here to take part in the research.

Research poster

For helpline information see ‘Mental Wellbeing’ under the Health & Wellbeing button.