The Building Mental Health Alliance (BMHA), a partnership of construction organisations in Northern Ireland, is concluding a 600km fundraising cycle to support mental health in the sector.

The event aims to raise £5,000 for charities directly helping construction workers, including The Lighthouse Club – The Construction Industry Charity, Samaritans and Lifeline. Funds raised will go towards providing support services and practical resources for those working in construction across the region.

The cycle is being led by Barry Neilson OBE, Chief Executive of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) NI, who is completing the six-day route around Northern Ireland. Having started from Belfast Grand Central Station on September 5, the challenge concludes today (September 10) at Titanic Quarter, Belfast, to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day.

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Barry Neilson OBE, Chief Executive CITB NI, commented: "CITB NI is proud to be part of BMHA, as together we can help build a healthier, more supportive construction workforce. Mental health continues to be a silent challenge across our industry. By undertaking this cycle, I hope to shine a light on the importance of mental health, wellbeing and raise funds for the charities that directly support workers across the construction sector."

BMHA is focused on raising awareness, improving signposting, and promoting training across construction workplaces. These pillars are aligned with the Department of Health's Mental Health Strategy 2021–2031. A 2022 BMHA survey of 330 construction workers highlighted the need for this work, with more than half of respondents saying they did not feel confident or trained enough to support a colleague experiencing a mental health issue.

Through this initiative, BMHA is working with industry partners to encourage practical action on site and across organisations to ensure workers have access to the right support.

Building Mental Health Alliance Chair Wilson Lambe added: "Together, we are building a healthier, more supportive environment for everyone in Northern Ireland’s construction sector. We thank Barry Neilson for his support in spotlighting this important issue and wish him every success on his cycle journey."

Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/barry-neilson