Construction firms back Macmillan Cancer Support
Macmillan Cancer Support is uniting with six companies from the building and construction sector, to raise awareness of cancer and encourage men to get support. Benchmarx Kitchens & Joinery, ISG, Selco Builders Warehouse, Travis Perkins, Topps Tiles and Wolseley UK have joined forces with the charity to tackle the stigmas that prevent men from talking about their health.
From 12-25 June, Macmillan Cancer Support will have a visible presence in branches and sites of the Construction Cancer Coalition partners, with posters and leaflets signposting men to support, and encouraging those with health concerns to ‘Just Say the Word’, and talk about cancer.
Employees will also be fundraising to help Macmillan provide support to people living with cancer across the UK.
The importance of the campaign and encouraging men to talk about their health is underlined by a new Macmillan survey, which reveals almost two in five men (38%) from the sector who report being in good health believe that it is important to keep emotions in check so that others view them as strong. The data also reveals that almost one in five men (18%) who work in the industry and have a serious illness, such as cancer, feel like less of a man since being diagnosed.
Natasha Parker, head of corporate partnerships at Macmillan Cancer Support, says: “We are delighted to be working with our partners from the construction sector once again, to help combat the barriers that stop men talking about their health and cancer. We know that many men with cancer struggle with the emotional burden of the disease, but feel they have to cope alone. With our partners’ support, we can make Macmillan’s support visible to men who may not know where to find it, and don’t feel able to ask for help.”
Vanessa French, general counsel, Wolseley UK, says: “We are immensely proud of our ongoing partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, and the Construction Cancer Coalition is another great opportunity for our colleagues and customers to make a real difference to people’s lives.”
