Housebuilders in Dunmow shone a light on mental health in the construction industry as part of a national campaign.

The #MakeItVisible campaign, run by the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, aims to encourage open discussions around mental health on construction sites.

Ashberry Homes, which is part of the Bellway Group, hosted the charity at Beaumont Park in Great Dunmow.

Dean Takkou, construction director at Ashberry Homes, said: "The latest research shows that the number of suicides within construction is nearly four times that of the national average.

Dunmow Broadcast: An informal outdoor workshop was held at Beaumont Park in Great DunmowAn informal outdoor workshop was held at Beaumont Park in Great Dunmow (Image: Ashberry Homes)

"That is a truly shocking statistic and one that we at Ashberry Homes want to try to reduce.

"The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity is doing some incredible work and we decided to invite the #MakeItVisible team along to our Beaumont Park development to send out a clear and powerful message to all the staff on site that we want them to engage with us over any issues they have with regard to their mental health."

Research by the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity indicates that two construction workers take their own life during every working day in the UK, and that stress, depression or anxiety accounts for 27 per cent of all work-related illness in the industry.

The session at Beaumont Park saw the #MakeItVisible team of Andy Bishop and Lee Anderson gather the workforce together for an informal outdoor workshop, which included group discussions and one-to-one chats.

Rachel Birtles, head of charitable services at the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, said: "We visited Ashberry Homes’ Beaumont Park development in Great Dunmow to meet the boots on the ground and offer on-site wellbeing support.

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"During the visit, our team openly shared their own personal experiences with both positive and challenging mental health situations, to give others the confidence to reach out for support when they need it.

"Whether you’re facing personal challenges or general pressures of life, seeking support can make a huge difference to you and those around you."

The Bellway Group is looking to increase the ratio of mental health first-aiders within the company to one in 10, from one in 13, by December this year.