Mental Health Awareness - Life Matters

Summary

Let’s Talk About It: Self-Harm and Suicide Awareness
This session will cover creating safe spaces, taking proactive approaches, practicing mindfulness, using supportive language, and building empathy both at work and on construction sites.

Our event is on Wednesday 4th February, just ahead of Time to Talk Day 2026 on Thursday 5th February. This nationwide event, run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, encourages conversations about mental health to reduce stigma and support wellbeing at home, in schools, and in the workplace - https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/time-to-talk-day/

A cold buffet will be served prior to the presentations.

Please note: this event is for over 18’s only

Members: gain 3 CIOB CPD points when you reflect on the ethical aspects of your learning from this activity.

Speakers

Elvin Box, MCIOB; MBA (Open), Freelance construction consultant & motivational speaker

o After serving as an apprentice carpenter and joiner with the prestigious London Builder, Holloway White Allom, Elvin’s career trajectory took him to multinational’s Bovis (where he attained MCIOB through their in-house Chartered Member course), Kier, and Mace, on major Construction Management projects, and Client-Side Program Management assignments on large infrastructure developments.

o Becoming a tutor on the Open University Business School’s MBA programme led to Elvin chairing CIOB’s International Research & Innovation Committee, and international consultancy assignments in strategy, innovation, and behavioural management.

o Since 2019 Elvin has operated across the UK and internationally as a Freelance construction consultant and motivational speaker. He is a prominent advocate for men's mental health and suicide prevention, specifically within the construction industry. Drawing on personal and professional experiences, he works closely with both the CIOB and the global men’s health foundation, Movember, writing and speaking extensively to break the stigma surrounding mental health issues in the sector.

o Extremely energised and especially informative, it has been said Elvin does not deliver a speech per se, but more of an engaging, motivational awareness performance.

Alan McKenzie, Senior Project Manager, Stantec and CIOB London Hub Committee – Mental Health Champion

o Starting work in Shopfitting as an apprentice, moved to architecture as an Architectural Technologist and Contract Administrator from 1988 working for large and small practices, Renton Howard Wood Levin, Sheppard Robson, Simpson Haugh & Partners.

o Alan became a Chartered Member of the CIOB in 2016 and joined the London Hub Committee until 2021, championing EDI and lead on Mental Health Matters with regular on-line talks and monthly check in calls with members.

o Continued career in Project and Design Management on projects across the UK, Ireland, Belgium, Holland, Sweden.

o Alan rejoined CIOB London Hub Committee in 2025, as a champion for Mental Health for members.

Contact

Gemma Lovell

Member Services and Events Coordinator - London

[email protected]