2nd March 2019
The challenge of mental health in the construction industry is attracting increased attention, with FKG Group committed to raising awareness. But when it comes to advocates for proactive mental health and building resilience, few are more passionate than Jules Allen.
From being a victim of childhood abuse, family breakdown and domestic violence, Allen overcame adversity to become an award-winning youth advocate. After taking on her first foster child at the age of 22, Allen eventually fostered 32 children as well as raising four of her own, later finding national fame as a MasterChef contestant and now national speaker.
On February 28, the FKG Group was proud to sponsor the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce’s “Future Leaders Connect” event, where Allen shared her message of hope and resilience.
FKG Group’s Group Manager – HR, Hayley Hubbard shared the stage with Allen at the event, noting the importance of raising awareness.
“The FKG Group is passionate about mental health due to the high rates of mental health issues and suicide in the construction industry. We’re an organisation that aims to support our people and spreading awareness is a vital part of that effort,” she said.
Hubbard pointed to FKG Group’s wellness matters program for employees, together with its involvement in events such as “R U OK?” and “Fly the Flag” day for Mates in Construction.
“You only need one suicide within an organisation to send ripples far and wide. We don’t want anyone to get to the point where they feel they have no option or aren’t supported – if we can get the message to our staff that there’s help available, hopefully they can influence others around them and the message will spread,” she added.