Scaffolding Industry - By Para
Through childhood trauma, I learnt to suppress my feelings at a young age. In 2009, being diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer, I faced a tough battle with depression, again bottling up my emotions. In 2010, I lost my 17-year-old brother Derek to suicide, and in 2023, my former employer of 11 years, friend, successful scaffolding business owner and mentor Steve also took his own life in the same way.
As a scaffolder in a male-dominated industry, I personally know how difficult it is to express those deeper feelings without fear of being judged, shamed or ridiculed. I have learnt that to share our feelings and experiences through conversations can make a positive impact.
One conversation could save a life, a loved one, a work mate, a stranger or maybe even your own.
If you are in the scaffolding, rigging, rope access, mast climbers, elevated work platforms, roofing, work at heights or in the industry of requiring access, I encourage you to join this amazing cause.
I’ll be walking those 25km in memory of Derek and Steve, hoping to honor them and raise awareness for all the blokes out there struggling in silence. Who will you walk for?
