On 23rd April 2026, the Limerick Alliance for Mental Health Support, as part of the MENTBEST project, held two workshops in Limerick (Ireland) to raise awareness on mental health challenges in the construction sector. Over 100 workers from Jones Engineering participated, with training delivered by Professor Ella Arensman, Dr Andrew Dyer, and Dr Caleb Leduc.

The workshops were made possible through the support and collaboration of three organisations committed to advancing mental health across different communities and industries: the EU Horizon Europe MENTBEST project, the Limerick Alliance for Mental Health Support and the EU Horizon Europe PROSPERH project: Promoting Positive Mental and Physical Health in Changing Work Environments.

Mental health challenges are present in every workplace and every aspect of our lives, but some sectors carry a more severe burden than others. The construction industry has long been identified as one of the highest-risk environments for poor mental health, depression and suicidal behaviour. Yet it remains one of the sector where mental health is more stigmatised and one of the least supported when it comes to awareness and prevention. That is precisely why targeted training initiatives like this one matter so much.

The workshops were designed to give participants the tools to recognise early signs of mental health difficulties in themselves and in their colleagues. In an industry where strength and stoicism is the norm, equipping workers with the knowledge to have these conversations is a meaningful step forward towards awareness and prevention.