Somerset-based Lightning Training Solutions has announced it is to focus on its mental health first aid training, following a call from Mental Health England. The charity contacted Lightning Training Solutions' Director Rod Jones, following the publication of some sobering statistics.

"Over 60% of young men working in the construction industry have either suffered mental health issues or are going through issues," said Rod. "It's a (sadly) relatively well-known statistic that suicide is the biggest killer of men under the age of 45. However, male site workers are three times more likely to commit suicide than the average male in the UK; suicide actually kills more construction workers than falls!"

With mental health issues becoming more widely understood in the workplace, Lightning Training Solutions had already been offering very successful mental health first aid training for 18 months in the South West before Mental Health England contacted them.

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"With the construction industry being predominantly male dominated and the nature of the work being done, there is this perception that you must be a 'tough bloke'. This makes asking for help and talking about feelings extremely difficult," said Rod. "Our courses teach people how to identify and understand mental health problems, how to listen and reassure, and how to spot warning signs."

Lightning Training Solutions' professional team of Health and Safety Consultants have unique and varied expertise between them, and so can cover all sectors from the medical profession through to children. A wide variety of courses are available to businesses though out the UK, from manual handling and working at height through to fire awareness and lone working. The training is made as realistic and suitable to specific needs as possible (for example all fire training includes the live use of fire extinguishers on a controlled fire). Online training is also available to smaller groups or smaller businesses.

"We're lucky that we can offer a lot of flexibility," says Rod, "and you may find yourself surprised by the affordability of the excellent training that we provide. We can deliver 24/7 so if it's a night shift we can train during the night so you have minimum disruption to your business. Our training is tailored to you, so for example, we can design a suite of 'toolbox talks' specifically for your business that can be delivered to your staff via power-point presentation. Having met you, we'll look at your needs and requirements, then engage with you on either a fixed term or 'as needed' basis."

For further information visit www.lightningtrainingsolutions.co.uk.