Mental health in construction: ‘I’ve been where you are, and there is help available’
Mental health in construction: ‘I’ve been where you are, and there is help available’
Prichard’s marked Mental Health Awareness Week by hosting the Lighthouse Charity’s ‘MakeItVisible’ on-site team, aiming to raise awareness of the support available to construction workers and their families.
The event, held at Prichard’s Head Office in Llantrisant, saw the company pause operations for a ‘tools down’ afternoon, allowing workshop, yard, and office staff to engage with representatives from the Lighthouse Charity.
The #MakeItVisible team shared personal stories and experiences in a powerful talk, encouraging conversations about mental health and promoting wellbeing within the construction industry.
The MakeItVisible initiative specifically targets frontline workers, encouraging open discussions around mental health and highlighting the resources available through the charity. These include emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing support accessible via a free and confidential helpline, live chat service, and mobile app.
Staff at Prichard’s also had the opportunity to speak one-on-one with the charity’s team, providing a safe space to discuss any concerns or challenges they may be facing.
In 2023, On The Tools found that 93% of UK tradespeople surveyed have been impacted by mental ill health in some way; they are 26% more likely than workers in other industries to experience mental ill health in the UK. In addition, 2 in 5 UK tradespeople surveyed (42%) reported experiencing suicidal thoughts because of mental ill health.
The same survey also found around two-thirds of UK tradespeople have misused drugs, alcohol, or both in an attempt to mitigate symptoms of mental ill health.
Sarah Bolton, CEO of the Lighthouse Charity, emphasised the importance of connecting directly with the workforce, saying: “One of the best ways to understand the issues being faced by those working in our industry is to reach out to the frontline workforce on sites and ensure our message of support reaches those who may not know how or where to reach out for help.
“Last year, our team visited 572 sites and engaged with over 28,000 workers. Our team can speak with workers in a down-to-earth and relatable way. It makes all the difference when someone who’s been in their shoes says, ‘I’ve been where you are, and there is help available.’ Last year, this initiative saw our team start conversations with 88 workers who expressed suicidal thoughts. We are pleased to say that as a direct result of speaking with us, those people were immediately directed to support and safeguarding.”
The initiative aligns with Prichard’s’ commitment to promoting mental health awareness and providing resources to ensure the well-being of its staff. The company recognizes the pressures faced by construction workers and aims to support them through partnerships with organisations like the Lighthouse Charity.
Anyone in the construction industry needing support can reach out to the Lighthouse Charity through the following channels:
24/7 helplines: 0345 605 1956 (UK), 1800 939 122 (ROI) Live chat: www.lighthousecharity.org Text HARDHAT to 85258 (UK) or 50808 (ROI).
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