IFSEC and FIREX welcome Mates in Mind

With the growing awareness that mental health and wellbeing challenges are on the increase in the UK, IFSEC and FIREX are delighted to welcome the leading charity Mates in Mind to this year’s shows, which will take place from 16-18 May at London’s ExCeL.

As part of a new initiative with partners at the Fire Industry Association (FIA) and British Security Industry Association (BSIA) we have been in dialogue with Mates in Mind to see how the shows and our association partners can provide an effective platform to connect with our audiences and create a positive space, where the proactive conversations around mental health and wellbeing can begin.

Mates in Mind is a leading UK charity raising awareness and addressing the stigma of poor mental health. It promotes and leads on the development of a positive and proactive approach to mental wellbeing within the workplace. Mates in Mind works across industries, focusing on construction, as well as related sectors including transport, logistics, manufacturing, and others. In view of the security and fire industries’ positions within the construction sector, it is a natural progression to provide the charity with a focused opportunity to engage with the wider audience.

Mates In Mind will be present throughout the shows with drop-in areas located on the FIA Lounge in FIREX and the BSIA Members Zone in IFSEC. Exhibitors and visitors will be able to meet with representatives from Mates in Mind to understand the work they do, how companies and individuals can contribute to combatting mental health challenges, plus accessing their support services and toolkits.

A free to attend panel discussion will also be hosted, with representatives from Mates in Mind, FIA and BSIA in the FIREX Expertise & Guidance Seminar Theatre on Wednesday 17 May. This discussion will focus on identifying and supporting mental health issues in the workplace, in addition to a presentation of the current research and evidence Mates in Mind has gathered from the wider construction sector.

You can find out more about Mates in Mind and the support the charity provides, here.

“An opportunity to start the conversation”

Gerry Dunphy, IFSEC & FIREX Event Director says:

‘’IFSEC and FIREX have recognised the industries are made up of a wide range of businesses, organisations and stakeholders where the stresses and challenges are formidable and widespread. From lone working to having to manage a business in an uncertain economic climate, the pressures on individuals are immense, which makes organisations such as Mates in Mind profoundly important. We are privileged to be able to provide Mates in Mind with a platform to connect with the security and fire sectors and we look forward to working with them at the shows.’’

Mike Reddington, Chief Executive, British Security Industry Association comments:

‘’We have a considerable number of BSIA Members whose employees operate on a lone worker basis, many of whom operate in stressful and challenging environments. The impacts of poor mental health and wellbeing can often go unseen so we are delighted to see Mates in Mind have direct input into this year’s IFSEC. BSIA members will be able to meet the Mates in Mind team at the show and we look forward to providing an opportunity for you to start a conversation on this critically important subject’’.

Ian Moore, Chief Executive Officer, Fire Industry Association adds:

‘’The FIA warmly welcomes Mates in Mind to this year’s FIREX event and we look forward to working alongside them at the show to provide a connection with our members. Mental health and wellbeing can often be overlooked in the professional workspace and with many of the FIA members facing significant commercial pressures it’s comforting to know Mates in Mind provides guidance and support which can make such a significant impact’’.

Sarah Meek, Managing Director, Mates in Mind charity concludes:

“Through this exciting new partnership, Mates in Mind is really pleased to have this opportunity to raise awareness of why a positive and proactive approach to mental health is so important and how we can provide practical support to teams of any size through our work. We are looking forward to working in collaboration with FIA and BSIA members and starting these important conversations at the IFSEC and FIREX events in May.”

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Registration for IFSEC and FIREX 2023 is now open! Secure your free ticket, meet the Mates in Mind team and join the conversation, here >>