Abigroup Teams Up With Beyondblue To Tackle Depression

Abigroup Teams Up with beyondblue to Tackle Depression in the Construction Industry

Construction company Abigroup has joined forces with leading depression awareness organisation beyondblue to launch a major initiative to raise awareness of depression in the construction industry.

At a ceremony in Abigroup's Melbourne office today (Tuesday) Abigroup's Managing
Director David Jurd and beyondblue Chairman Jeff Kennett signed an agreement to
work together to tackle the problem.

As a first step the company is contributing $100,000 to the partnership and
development of an educational DVD about depression in the construction industry.

Abigroup Managing Director David Jurd said, "Construction work can be tough on workers - the hours are long and sites are often remote from home, making the link with family difficult.

"Construction is still a male dominated industry and studies show that men are at a greater risk of their depression going unrecognised and untreated than women: with less than half of those experiencing depression seeking help.

"That's why Abigroup is supporting this important initiative. By raising awareness of the problem of depression in the construction industry we're aiming to get more workers to seek help early on and avoid getting trapped in a downward spiral."

beyondblue CEO Leonie Young added, "We know that depression affects around one million Australians every year. People often struggle to acknowledge the problem and try to deal with it alone. Depression is an illness and not a weakness. Effective treatments are available and most people recover.

"We hope this partnership will encourage people working in the construction industry to notice the signs and symptoms of depression in themselves, their mates and loved ones and encourage them to get help sooner rather than later."

The DVD will be produced over the winter months and launched in October with
screenings at Abigroup construction sites throughout Australia.

Information on depression in the workplace and promotional material on available
services will also be circulated throughout the construction industry and in
November Abigroup will organise a "Blue Day" education and awareness campaign
to coincide with company Movember activities.

Abigroup's support for beyondblue forms part of the company's sustainability
program Ability. As part of this program Abigroup plays an active role in the
community through corporate giving activities.

Abigroup is a diverse national contractor with expert teams delivering works in areas including roads, buildings, water, rail, mining services, tunnels, bridges and telecommunications.

Abigroup is a member of the Bilfinger Berger Australia group. For further
information contact:

Peter Scott, Media Relations Manager, Abigroup Ltd, Ph: 02 9499 0756, mobile
0404 469 823.

Jane Gardner, Communications Officer, beyondblue Ph: 03 9810 6100, mobile 0428
333 917.

For information about depression, anxiety and related disorders, visit
www.beyondblue.org.au or call 1300 22 4636.


SOURCE: Abigroup