Electricians Mel Moore and Kate Edwards.
Camera IconElectricians Mel Moore and Kate Edwards. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Malaga-based Steel Blue launches limited edition blue women’s boot to highlight mental health issues

Kristie LimEastern Reporter

TWO female electricians have been gifted blue suede boots in a bid to help raise awareness for mental health in the trade and construction industries.

Malaga-based boot manufacturer Steel Blue launched a limited edition ladies blue boot on September 15, with proceeds to go to beyondblue.

Churchlands resident Kate Edwards said the boots served as a good “conversation starter” on site.

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“I guess in this industry, because there are so many males, they tend not to really open up as much as females,” she said.

“It is good to let them know that someone is there and people want to help.”

GEM business owner Mel Moore said the initiative would make a difference in taking the stigma out of talking about mental health.

“I think lots of people will end up wearing them and people see it out there and there will be an indication that there is someone they can talk to,” she said.

“For two years, I suffered massively with anxiety and panic attacks… even if I went to the shops, I did not know what triggered mine to start because I used to be super confident.

“It got really bad, even to the point where I’d see people I knew and if I said something or messed a sentence up or something, it would start happening.

“I just thought it was me and I wouldn’t think to talk to anyone about it.”

Ms Moore said there were big issues among workers at mine and construction sites.

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