MATES in Construction
Also known as: MATES
24/7 helpline and on-site suicide prevention for construction workers and small construction-business owners, with peer support on sites. A case example in the World Health Organization's 2021 suicide prevention guide.
About this service
MATES in Construction is an evidence-based suicide prevention and mental health program for the construction industry: on-site training, peer support, case management and a 24/7 helpline. Helpline calls are answered by qualified counsellors, psychologists and social workers who understand the industry's specific stresses: subcontract chains, payment delays, fixed-price contracts, high-pressure deadlines, and the cultural pattern of not asking for help. The World Health Organization's 2021 suicide prevention guide features MATES as a case example. State branches operate in QLD, NSW, WA, SA, and NT. For a construction business owner under pressure, this is the first call before any general mental health route.
When to use
You're in construction or trades and the pressure is getting to you. A worker on your site is struggling. You're bereaved by suicide in the industry.
When not to use
Outside the construction industry — use Lifeline or NewAccess. For financial pressure specifically, also call SBDH.
Who they help
Anyone in the construction industry — owners, subcontractors, employees, apprentices, retired tradies, and their families.
Who they don't help
Outside the construction industry, route to Lifeline or NewAccess for Small Business Owners. MATES is industry-specific by design.
Strengths
24/7. Calls are answered by counsellors who know construction. Peer support and case managers on many sites. Evidence-based, and a case example in the WHO's 2021 guide.
Limitations
Construction-only. Not a financial counselling service.
Source authority
mates.org.auOften used alongside
Lifeline Australia
24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention. Phone, text, or chat. Free, confidential.
Free
Beyond Blue NewAccess for Small Business Owners
Free six-session mental health coaching for small business owners under stress. Coaches have small business backgrounds. No GP referral required.
Small Business Debt Helpline
Free, confidential, specialist financial counselling for sole traders and small business owners — tax debt, BAS, supplier pressure, insolvency options.
We do not refer to commercial debt-relief operators.
Every service we point you to is free or low-cost, government-funded or not-for-profit, and independent of creditors. If a paid operator is offering to negotiate your ATO debt or run a Part IX agreement for a fee, talk to the Small Business Debt Helpline first — 1800 413 828, free.
TEKVA provides information, not financial counselling or legal advice. Phone numbers, URLs, and operating hours were checked on 21 October 2026.