MATES is a charity established in 2008 to reduce the high level of suicide among Australian construction workers.
MATES provides suicide prevention through community development programs on sites, and by supporting workers in need through case management and a 24/7 help line. We serve the construction and nationally to the Mining industries.
MATES was established in response to a major report on suicide (the ‘AISRAP Report’) within the Queensland Commercial Building and Construction Industry. This report found that suicide rates in the industry were higher than the Australian average for men, and that youth suicide within the industry could be as much as 2.38 times more common than among other young Australian men.
The MATES program is based on the simple idea that suicide is everyone’s business.
If the building and construction industry in Australia is to improve the mental health and well-being of workers and reduce suicide, then it cannot be left to mental health professionals: everyone in the industry must play their part.
Working for the construction industry in general, MATES is independent of employers and unions and never works directly for an employer. Programs are delivered across the industry regardless of employer or union affiliation.
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Services Offered
MATES employs suitably qualified case managers to assist troubled workers with an effective plan to address their issues.
MATES does not provide any services, but instead connects the worker to appropriate services in their industry and region, which could include such services as their EAP, financial counselling, drug and alcohol services, grief counselling and family and relationship counselling.
We also follow up with the worker to ensure the help they received was effective. In some cases, we also advocate for the worker with a service to ensure the service can meet their needs.
Fees and Payment
The MATES service is free. If finances are an issue with accessing counselling let them know and they can link you with a service that will meet your needs.
Services Offered To: Adults
Payment: Sliding Scale Pro-bono
Online Counseling: Yes
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A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.