The Influence of Relationships on Engagement in an Australian Construction Industry Suicide Prevention Programme

Every 45 seconds a person dies by suicide. Significantly more men than women die by suicide and most are of working age. Some industries such as the construction industry have higher rates of suicide. MATES in Construction is an Australian programme established in 2008 to reduce suicide rates in the construction industry. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the role-relationships between participants, staff and the MATES in Construction (MATES) organisation in an industry-based suicide prevention programme in the Australian construction industry.

Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 28 MATES programme volunteers. The data was analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach.

From the data two themes were constructed. Firstly, MATES staff relatability builds worker trust and facilitates engagement in the programme. As peer workers, MATES staff were trusted and modelled the desired outcomes of the programme. Secondly, the authentic industry base of the programme enhances worker trust and engagement. MATES could be trusted because it was part of the construction industry as an industry-owned and -led organisation supported by both employers and unions. Union endorsement was seen as particularly important by workers.

The relatability of MATES staff and MATES' industry base were seen as important drivers of worker engagement and participation in the programme. This study provides new insights into the importance of peer roles, authenticity, connection, and positionality of public health interventions as facilitators of engagement and participation in community-based preventive interventions.