The housebuilder is supporting the work of the Mates in Mind charity by putting 12 staff through an intensive two-day training course to become Mental Health First Aid champions.

Marion Forbes, a director of Mactaggart & Mickel, said: “Some people find it difficult to open up about how they are feeling, and this can be particularly true in construction environments. The superb Mates in Mind training equips them with the skills to start a conversation with someone who may need support in their work or personal lives. Sometimes a simple act of kindness can make a huge difference to how someone feels about themselves.”

Davy Smith, a roughcaster at the company’s Castle Grove site in Newton Mearns, is one of the new Mental Health First Aid champions. He said: “Thanks to the training I’ve received, I will be able to recognise when someone may need a bit of a chat, and also how to encourage them to open up.”
Mactaggart & Mickel also provides an Employee Assistance Programme, offering access to a range of wellbeing help and support, including a Freephone number, a Health app and an online portal.