Caring about wellbeing is one thing, but proving it makes a difference is another. In a new article for Construction Management, mental health charity Mates in Mind has pointed to Seddon’s Champions programme as an example of how the construction industry can turn good intentions into meaningful outcomes.

The programme was created by Seddon in partnership with Mates in Mind to help businesses across its supply chain strengthen their approach to mental health and wellbeing. Each participating business received an individual assessment, a tailored action plan and expert guidance. The group also came together regularly to share experiences and learn from one another.

The results speak for themselves. 89% of businesses taking part maintained or improved their overall performance. Many moved from reacting to problems towards planning ahead, with stronger leadership engagement and greater psychological safety across their teams.

Sam Downie, Managing Director at Mates in Mind, said: “Too often, organisations move straight to solutions before fully understanding the problem they are trying to solve.”

Sam explains that while the industry’s commitment to wellbeing is clear, commercial pressures and the difficulty of measuring impact can lead to plenty of activity without real progress. He says the most effective businesses start by understanding the pressures their people face, setting clear objectives and tracking whether change is actually happening.

Data alone isn’t enough, though. Regular conversations and focus groups help businesses understand how changes are felt on site. Visible leadership, a prevention-first approach and a shared sense of responsibility across the supply chain are also key.

For Seddon, the work continues. Next steps for the Champions programme include tracking its long-term impact, updating policies and continuing to train managers, helping to create workplaces where people feel supported and able to thrive.

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