In 2018, working-age males within the construction industry accounted for almost 7% of all suicides in New Zealand, with 1 in every 6 of those suicides being an apprentice worker. These statistics are alarming for our industry, and supporting the overall mental health and wellbeing of our colleagues, friends, family and wider society is paramount to reducing the adverse effects of poor mental health.

There is evidence to suggest that support for mental health and wellbeing should be provided across all areas of society, including schools and workplaces. It is often challenging however, for support groups to raise enough funds to provide adequate services for those at risk.

To help raise awareness of this, and in line with our company’s supportive ethos, instead of a Christmas gift this year, Sto will be donating to the ‘I Am Hope’ foundation.

The ‘I Am Hope’ foundation is a youth and community-focused support group, championed by Mike King and run by The Key to Life Charitable Trust. The foundation promotes healthy mental wellbeing within schools, workplaces and communities all over the country. It funds private care and counselling for people on waiting lists for publicly funded mental health services, who are at risk of poor mental health outcomes. It also provides education and advocacy within school and corporate environments.

Through their services, the ‘I Am Hope’ foundation has been able to provide positive mental health and wellbeing care to thousands of people who are struggling. We hope that our donation to this exceptional cause will help the ‘I Am Hope’ foundation to continue providing its life-changing services to those who need it most. For further information please visit - I Am Hope.

The team at Sto wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season. It has been great working with you this year, and we look forward to working with you again in 2020!

Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.