Jason McCrae, major projects manager – Midlands at Nationwide Platforms, is championing the Men Walking and Talking initiative, which brings men together for regular walks.
Founded in 2021, the initiative aims to provide a safe, stigma-free space for attendees to talk and support one another.
This is not a paywall. Registration allows us to enhance your experience across Construction Management and ensure we deliver you quality editorial content.
Registering also means you can manage your own CPDs, comments, newsletter sign-ups and privacy settings.
Having joined the initiative in 2023 as someone in need of support, McCrae was inspired to launch the Warwick Walk in December 2024.
Commenting on his decision to seek support, McCrae said: “I’d been made redundant twice in three months, and I was in a very, very low place.
“I didn’t want to get out of bed and, like a lot of blokes, I just didn’t want to talk about it."
He added: “A friend of my wife saw a post about the walk online and, after a fair bit of encouragement, I decided to go. But when I got there, I just sat in the car. I didn’t want to get out.”
Everything changed when the Kenilworth Walk leader noticed McCrae.
“He saw me and made eye contact,” he explained. “Nothing major, just a look – and in that moment, I thought, well he’s seen me now, I can’t back out.
“We spoke briefly, and I broke down because I just felt overwhelmed with everything I’d bottled up. But after that, something shifted in me. I think without that, I wouldn’t be here today.”
Local support
Following that experience, McCrae completed mental health training and decided to bring the initiative to Warwick.
The group has grown to include a WhatsApp support network and online Zoom sessions on Tuesday evenings. These sessions provide men within the group with a safe space where they can discuss how they are feeling and provide each other with support.
As well as leading the weekly walk, McCrae supports others as a trained mental health first aider at Nationwide Platforms.
“I got my mental health first aider certificate through the [Men] Walking and Talking group, and then when Nationwide Platforms asked me if I wanted to be one of their mental health first aiders, I was immediately on board.
“It’s a great company, and it’s brilliant to be able to take what I’ve learned from the walking and talking groups and apply it to an entirely different context. They’ve been hugely supportive in raising awareness of this initiative and in supporting my efforts as a mental health first aider both in and outside of work.”
Not just 'ticking the box'
In addition to offering round-the-clock support, all Nationwide Platforms’ managers receive mental health training.
The company also supports internal awareness campaigns, and encourages employees to get involved with both internal and external wellbeing initiatives.
Charlie Stanley, HR director at Nationwide Platforms, said: “We want every employee to feel supported – whether they’re dealing with everyday stress or something more serious.
“That’s why we’ve built a culture that doesn’t just ‘tick the box’ on mental health, but genuinely prioritises it. From mental health first aiders across the business, to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, we’re making it clear that no one has to face things alone.”
Mental health support and advice for CIOB members, past members and related family is available through CIOB Assist. CIOB, in partnership with Anxiety UK, also provides wellbeing support.
The Lighthouse Charity offers 24/7 free and confidential support on all aspects of emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing.
24/7 helplines: 0345 605 1956 (UK) 1800 939 122 (ROI)
Text HARDHAT to 85258 (UK) or 50808 (ROI)
Live chat and more information: www.lighthousecharity.org
