Orbit Homes, part of not-for-profit housing group Orbit, brought together construction colleagues across the Midlands, East and South of England to continue to raise awareness of mental health in the industry.
‘Butty and Brew’ is an annual series of events from the affordable housebuilder dedicated to championing open conversations around mental health and wellbeing. Three Orbit Homes developments hosted the events this year – Micklewell Park in Northamptonshire, Victoria Gardens in Norfolk and Rosewood in Kent.
Orbit Homes colleagues and contractor partners were welcomed to events that included activities such as interactive sessions with mental health experts, free health checks from nurses and reminders of the specialist health and wellbeing support services available to colleagues from Orbit.
‘Butty and Brew’ is designed to create a welcoming space for construction colleagues to open up about their own experiences and learn practical tips to help support they day-to-day wellbeing – whether they’re at work or home.
Brian Nearney, Chief Development Officer at Orbit, commented: “We want our people to never feel as though they have to suffer in silence. Our annual ‘Butty and Brew’ events help bring together colleagues to raise awareness of mental health and encourage comfortable, open conversations about our wellbeing.
“These events are vital to us breaking down the stigma that is associated with mental health in the industry and we’re very proud to take every opportunity we can to remind our colleagues and partners that help with their wellbeing is always available – whether it’s on site, over the phone or online.”
Tom Beeston, Senior Site Manager at Orbit Homes and attendee to one of the events, said: “Every year we have ‘Butty and Brew’ and it’s so well received by all the trades on our sites. Being an advocate for mental health awareness in the industry, I find it really interesting to see how these types of days are helping people to speak to each other about issues inside or outside of work.
“It was nice to see so many people asking questions and sharing their experiences with the wider group. I think it’s helping to break down the stigma around mental health and it being seen as a weakness to share problems. Events like this are great to help us understand how to take better care of our mental health and help the people working with us.”
For more information about Orbit Homes and its current developments, visit: www.orbithomes.org.uk