Mental Health First Aider Day

This Mental Health First Aider Day (Wednesday, November 12), award-winning homebuilder Lioncourt Homes is celebrating that 17% of its workforce are now qualified as a point of contact for colleagues who may be struggling with mental health challenges.

A further four employees completed their training earlier this year, underscoring Lioncourt’s dedication to growing the support network of Mental Health First Aiders across the business.

The first ever Mental Health First Aider Day is a national celebration of Mental Health First Aiders, the impact that they make, and the ripple effect of care they create, organised by MHFA England and the Association of Mental Health First Aiders.

Lioncourt Homes continues to prioritise wellbeing across every area of its operations, recognising that construction remains one of the industries most affected by mental health challenges, as part of its long-term mission to break down stigma and promote open dialogue around mental wellbeing.

Through its proactive approach, Lioncourt Homes is ensuring that everyone, from office staff to on-site colleagues, feel supported, valued, and heard.

All Mental Health First Aiders are equipped to recognise early signs of distress, offer a non-judgmental ear, and signpost colleagues towards professional help or further support when needed.

Among those balancing their day-to-day roles with creating a culture where mental health conversations are encouraged, is Group Accountant Laura Turner, who completed her training in 2023, and said: “It’s really important for Lioncourt Homes to have dedicated Mental Health First Aiders.

“The construction and housebuilding industry faces unique pressures, with tight deadlines, physical demands, and often a culture where mental health can be stigmatised. Having someone approachable and equipped to listen ensures that staff have the right support in place when they need it most.

“As a Mental Health First Aider, my role is about being that first point of contact for anyone who might be struggling and creating a safe space where they feel they can open up without judgement. Often, it’s about offering a listening ear, and at times, supporting someone in taking the next step toward professional help.

“I’ve found the role incredibly rewarding. Having seen friends and family go through mental health struggles, I know how powerful it can be to have someone who simply listens.

“It’s also helped me grow personally. It’s deepened my empathy and made me more attuned to the hidden challenges people may be facing.”

Matthew Underwood, Commercial and Technical Director, who recently completed his Mental Health First Aider training, added: “In our industry, the pace and pressure can be relentless. Long hours, tight deadlines and challenging market conditions can take a real toll on people’s wellbeing. That’s why having trained Mental Health First Aiders really matters and shows that Lioncourt genuinely cares.

“We are not here to diagnose, but we are here to listen and notice when something feels off, whether it is a shift in behaviour, mood or motivation, we can start a conversation. Sometimes simply sitting down for a cup of tea and talking things through can make a world of difference.

“Being a Mental Health First Aider has also helped me personally. It’s strengthened my listening skills, empathy, and self-awareness, and given me the confidence to have sensitive conversations in the right way. It’s a meaningful way to make a difference to others while learning to look after your own wellbeing too.”

Laura, Matthew and all trained Mental Health First Aiders’ continued work supports Lioncourt’s wider wellbeing initiatives, which include regular one-to-one meetings between managers and team members, an open-door policy, toolbox talks on site and active participation in awareness campaigns such as Mental Health First Aider Day.

Together, these measures are helping to normalise open discussion around mental health and create an environment where everyone feels comfortable speaking up.

Danny Tunstall, Construction Director at Lioncourt Homes, said: “Mental health is a serious issue across our industry, and we want our teams to know they’re never alone.

“Our Mental Health First Aiders play an essential role in ensuring that help is available when it’s needed most, whether that’s a chat on-site or in the office.

“We’re proud of the culture we’ve built here at Lioncourt. By embedding mental health awareness into our daily routines, we’re creating a workplace where people feel safe, supported, and empowered to look after their wellbeing.”

Lioncourt’s ongoing commitment to mental health and wellbeing reflects its belief that a healthy, open, and compassionate workplace benefits everyone, from employees and subcontractors to customers and communities across the developments it builds.

To learn more about MHFA England, visit https://mhfaengland.org/.