Celebrating International Men’s Day and Our Commitment to Supporting the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Our People

At Walker Sime we truly believe in having a workplace where our people feel heard, supported, and valued no matter what. So, for this year’s International Men’s Day, we want to shine a light on two incredible men in our team, Arron Fitton and Richard Blake, who are our dedicated Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA).

In their roles as Assistant Project Manager and Principal Project Manager, respectively, Arron and Richard go above and beyond to create a welcoming environment for anyone who might need a listening ear or a helping hand. Their efforts remind us that mental health care in the workplace is about more than policies—it’s about people genuinely caring for each other.

As mental health advocates within Walker Sime, Arron and Richard support their colleagues, breaking down barriers, and challenging the mindset that seeking help shows weakness. Men often feel societal pressure to suppress their emotions, but both Arron and Richard strive to show that strength lies in openness, communication and mutual support.

In a recent chat, we asked them to share a little about their role as MHFAs and what it means to them.

Why did you become a MHFA with Walker Sime?

Richard:
“I wanted to become a MHFA with Walker Sime because having dealt with my own issues over the years, with very little support available at the time, I realised that early on you just need someone to turn to who will listen and actually care. I am of the generation where you are just supposed to “get on with it” and any issue with mental health would be considered a weakness.

I completed some training in relation to how sport can help improve mental health and was keen to expand my knowledge. I gave a short talk on stress and highlighted my own past experiences and realised how good it made me feel to get it off my chest. I was surprised at the response by colleagues, and some approached me later and told me of similar experiences they had and generally dealt with in silence.

I was inspired by these people and the response I received for opening up and making myself vulnerable, which was not an easy process. With the training I received not only will I be there to listen but also to signpost to the most appropriate support.”

Arron:
“One of the main reasons I wanted to become an MFHA at Walker Sime was to become a voice and a person someone can turn to when all other doors seem shut. As part of our industry, there is still a stigma that all is okay on the surface and if you speak up people may see you differently. Having been in this position myself I feel it is only right that no one should feel this way and I want to be at the forefront of this change in culture.”

Why is it important that these roles are available within a business like ours?

Richard:
“It is important to reduce the stigma of poor mental health as we will all experience it at some point or another in our working life. With trained MHFAs in the business, we can look out for some of the telltale signs in people and provide confidential face-to-face emotional support and signpost as necessary. We sometimes work as a team and sometimes individually, but we do look out for each other in this business and do regular check-ins.”

Arron:
“I feel this role is paramount not only in our business but across every sector. People forget that you spend a lot of hours with the people you work with. Being a business in the construction sector is challenging enough without the added home pressures which we all have from time to time. Having people to turn to like myself and Richard gives them an alternative. Even if it is just a quick chat or some direction on how to get help, this can go a long way and change people’s lives and perspectives.”

What is the most rewarding thing about the role?

Richard:
“The most rewarding thing is the feeling of trust that someone else has given you and that you can help in some way, however small.”

Arron:
“The most rewarding part of being MHFA at Walker Sime is having the opportunity to contribute and make a difference and be a part of changing the narrative of people suffering in silence. This role gives me the chance to maybe change someone’s life no matter how big or small and, to me, that means a lot.”

This International Men’s Day, we are celebrating the kindness and dedication of Richard and Arron. Their hard work as MHFAs show that mental health is just as important as physical health, and no one should ever feel alone in their struggles.

At Walker Sime, we are proud to be a ‘people business’ and we are committed to creating a safe space for everyone, supporting our colleagues, and working together to dismantle the stigma around mental health.

For nationwide multi-disciplinary construction consultancy, including Quantity Surveying, Project Management, Infrastructure Services, Regeneration Delivery, Construction Design Management, Bills of Quantities and more, call us on 0161 872 9955, email hello@walkersime.co.uk or message us here.