On 11 September, Spaceful once again teamed up with state partner MATES in Construction to host an on-site event raising awareness for R U OK? Day and MATES’ “Fly the Flag” initiative. This initiative shines a light on the Connectors, ASIST workers and volunteers who actively support mental health across the construction industry, while encouraging open conversations about wellbeing and support.
Continuing the conversation
R U OK? Day and the Fly the Flag initiative send a powerful message across the construction industry: it is okay to talk about mental health, it is okay to ask for help, and it is okay to not be okay. Every five days, the construction industry loses one person to suicide. These are not just statistics, they are our mates, our families, and our community. By raising the MATES flag, Spaceful stands with hundreds of sites across Australia to show that support is always available, stigma has no place, and no one should struggle in silence.
This event encouraged everyone to reflect on the challenges our industry faces and commit to looking out for one another. Even the smallest actions—checking in with a mate, asking “R U OK?”, and taking time to listen—can create hope and even save a life.
Supporting mental health with MATES in Construction
Spaceful has been a state partner of MATES in Construction since 2023. MATES is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to mental health and suicide prevention across the construction, mining, and energy sectors. Through our partnership, all our people, both in-office and on-site, have access to MATES’ integrated program of specialist training and support services.
We view this as more than just a program. It is an active investment in the long-term health of our people and the wider industry. Together with MATES, we aim to raise the standard of mental health support in construction and build a culture where it’s safe to speak up.
We thank MATES in Construction for their ongoing partnership and leadership in this space.
