Tynemouth firm backs college student mental health project
A North Tyneside-based health and safety form is sponsoring a series of mental health talks for construction students at colleges across the North East.
The initiative being supported by Carney Consultancy will be delivered by Sam Warner and Ray Elliott of NE1’s Mental Health CIC - a charity they established to use their own experiences of mental health to support others and follows the positive impact of an earlier session at East Durham College.
The college sessions will see Sam and Ray deliver talks, coaching, training and wellbeing support, aimed at encouraging more open conversations about mental health and help students feel more confident discussing their wellbeing and seeking support when needed.
Having seen at first-hand the positive impact of the initial talk at East Durham College, Angela Carney, managing director of Carney Consultancy, was keen to help bring the same opportunity to more construction students.
Tynemouth-based Carney Consultancy is a health, safety, environmental and quality consultancy and training provider specialising in the construction and engineering sectors.
Angela’s commitment to mental health awareness comes from her own experiences of anxiety, depression and burnout.
She said: “Mental health is a really important issue in construction and we need to make it something people feel comfortable talking about, just as they would a physical injury.
"Starting these conversations while students are still at college can help them build a positive approach to mental wellbeing that stays with them throughout their careers.”
She added: “Having seen the impact of last year’s session at East Durham College, I wanted to help bring these conversations to more construction students.
When people share their own experiences, it can help others open up and realise they’re not alone."
Building on the college talks, Angela is also helping to bring NE1 BUILT FOR LIFE - a 12-session life-skills and wellbeing programme developed by Sam and Ray - into colleges.
The programme is designed to complement students’ technical education, help young people develop the practical skills and confidence to manage pressure, build healthy relationships, make informed decisions and prepare for the realities of adult life and working in the construction industry.