MATES strives to be Australia’s leading industry suicide prevention organisation, focusing on raising awareness, building capacity, providing help and research.
MATES provides suicide prevention through community development programs on sites, and by supporting workers in need through case management and a 24/7 help line.
The MATES program is based on the simple idea that suicide is everyone’s business. If the building and construction industry in Australia is to improve the mental health and well-being of workers and reduce suicide, then it cannot be left to mental health professionals:
Everyone in the industry must play their part.
MATES began as Mates in Construction but has continued to grow into:
Mates in Mining
Mates in Energy
Mates in New Zealand.
MATES is an integrated industry intervention program that:
Raises awareness of suicide as a preventable problem
Builds stronger and more resilient workers
Connects workers to the best available help and support
Partners with researchers to inform industry around best mental health practice
MATES offer a support line and case management to workers who need help and support.