DGCOS expands mental health support

The Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS) launched a campaign last year to promote better mental health in the window and door industry, starting with a donation to MIND following a Blue Monday campaign and the industry’s first mental health survey.

A year on, campaigning continues with the announcement that the organisation intends to work with different wellbeing charities this year: Band of Builders, the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, (Lighthouse Club) and Mates in Mind.

Faisal Hussain, chief executive of DGCOS, commented: “DGCOS is never afraid to address issues that others may prefer to sweep under the carpet, and unfortunately, this time last year, mental health was one such topic.

“Over the past 12 months, we’ve dug deeper into the issue with our glass and glazing mental health survey and delivered proactive solutions such as the self care toolkit, which is designed to support installers to adopt a self care routine that can reduce or eliminate anxiety and depression, reduce stress, increase happiness, and more.

“As part of our journey, we engaged with charities that are trying to make a difference in the wider construction industry and started a conversation with Band of Builders, the Lighthouse Club and Mates in Mind to see how we can deliver support services that are tailored to our industry.

“Each charity offers different support. For example, Band of Builders runs the Big Brew, which we are hoping to roll out to trade counters and fabricators; the Lighthouse Club offers a huge variety of emotional, financial and physical wellbeing issues to the construction community, including a free and confidential 24/7 helpline, text support service (text HARDHAT to 85258 to access) and self support app.

“Mates in Mind raises awareness, understanding and supports organisations take a proactive approach through learning and education, which we’re hoping to develop into bespoke learning on the pressures of working in fenestration,” he continued. “DGCOS is now a Lighthouse Club Company Supporter and has already made a further donation of £250 to each charity, following our second Blue Monday campaign in January.

“It is fantastic to see that today, mental health and wellbeing are not so taboo and are on the agenda for many industry events. But more needs to be done and by partnering with these three charities, DGCOS will be delivering a range of tools to help businesses, employers and individuals to combat any mental health issues they may be facing.”