Building Mental Health Alliance tackles 600km cycling fundraiser

The Building Mental Health Alliance (BMHA), a partnership of construction organisations committed to improving mental health in the construction industry across Northern Ireland, has launched a fundraising cycle event this September to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing in the sector.

 

BMHA aims to raise £5,000 through this event, which will be donated to charities supporting construction workers in Northern Ireland: The Lighthouse Club – The Construction Industry Charity, Samaritans and Lifeline.

With recent survey results from 2022* showing that 55% of construction workers feel they lack sufficient training or confidence to support someone with a mental health issue, BMHA continues to emphasise the urgent need for proactive and practical support in the workplace. This cycle ride not only highlights this message but directly supports BMHA’s three pillars: awareness, signposting, and training—which are aligned with the Department of Health’s Mental Health Strategy 2021–2031.

To champion the initiative, Barry Neilson OBE, Chief Executive of Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) NI is undertaking an ambitious six-day cycle around the perimeter of Northern Ireland. The route covers more than 600 kilometres and began on Friday 5th September 2025, departing from the Belfast Grand Central Station and finishing at Titanic Quarter, Belfast on Wednesday, 10th September—marking World Suicide Prevention Day.

Building Mental Health Alliance Chair Wilson Lambe said:
“The Building Mental Health Alliance represents a united commitment from across our industry to prioritise mental wellbeing. Through collaboration, training, and awareness, we are creating a culture where conversations about mental health are normalised, and support is accessible. From toolbox talks to training modules and instant access to help, BMHA is driving meaningful change. Together, we are building a healthier, more supportive environment for everyone in Northern Ireland’s construction sector. We thank Barry Neilson for his support in spotlighting this important issue and wish him every success on his cycle journey.”

Barry Neilson OBE, Chief Executive CITB NI, commented:
“CITB NI is proud to be part of BMHA, as together we can help build a healthier, more supportive construction workforce. Mental health continues to be a silent challenge across our industry. By undertaking this cycle, I hope to shine a light on the importance of mental health, wellbeing and raise funds for the charities that directly support workers across the construction sector. If you see me on the road, give me a wave—or better yet, join me for a few miles.”

*BHMA survey – An industry survey by the BMHA in 2022, with 330 respondents, showed that 54.57% of respondents did not feel that had sufficient training and/or confidence to identify and support someone who has a mental health issue. Following the survey, the Building Mental Health Alliance set out to improve signposting, increase industry awareness and advocate training.

You, or your organisation, can donate at: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/barry-neilson .

Cycle Route Summary:

• Day 1 (Sept 5): Belfast > Cushendall > Ballycastle (114km)
• Day 2 (Sept 6): Ballycastle > Coleraine > Derry/Londonderry (101km)
• Day 3 (Sept 7): Derry > Strabane > Castlederg > Enniskillen (90km)
• Day 4 (Sept 8): Enniskillen > Lisnaskea > Armagh (113km)
• Day 5 (Sept 9): Armagh > Newry > Kilkeel > Strangford (118km)
• Day 6 (Sept 10): Strangford > Millisle > Newtownards > Belfast (63km)

About Building Mental Health Alliance (BMHA):

(BMHA), a body consisting of a collaboration of industry bodies, large contractors and other workplace health and safety organisations from across Northern Ireland was officially launched at an event marking World Mental Health Day 2022.

The BMHA formed in 2021 and ran industry engagement and a survey to establish what the construction industry wanted and needed. The BMHA work together with the aim to create better mental health awareness, support and training for everyone working within the Northern Irish built environment sector.

With a focus on supporting a culture of openness, BMHA’s objectives are to: