A campaign to help tradespeople open up about and get help with their mental health has been launched. It is believed two construction workers take their own lives every day.
A new text service has been launched by national charity Band of Builders. It coincides with the return of the Big Brew – an industry-wide campaign which aims to highlight mental health issues.
More than 300 Big Brew events are expected to take place in builders’ merchants and on construction sites across the UK, encouraging more people to seek help where needed. Returning in October, the Big Brew aims to encourage tradespeople and contractors to come together over a cuppa to talk about their concerns.
The campaign encourages builders, plumbers, joiners and other construction workers to take a first step in seeking help with mental health issues. These can range from general anxiety – due to factors including the cost-of-living crisis – to suicidal thoughts.
Peter Cape of the Band of Builders said: “The first ever Big Brew highlighted just how much the construction industry was crying out for something that gave tradespeople and contractors the outlet to get together over a cuppa and discuss the wider issue of mental health and wellbeing – and open up individually to workmates or even staff at their local builders’ merchants.
“The campaign is proving to be a vital lifeline at a time when suicide rates in the sector were already at one per day before the Covid pandemic – according to ONS figures – and it’s widely accepted that these have worsened to closer to two per day.”
Construction work leads to a variety of pressures, from tight contracts to long hours, time away from loved-ones and managing budgets. The ‘macho’ culture also prevents many workers from seeking help when they may need it – the new text service aims to make it easier to access support.
People can text BOB to 85258 to get help.
