Construction workers are being urged to speak out about mental health struggles after a charity warned of a crisis within the building sector. Lighthouse, a charity that provides support to workers and their families, is launching three mental health workshops at construction sites across Norfolk this week, in response to a rising number of calls for help.
The charity revealed that two construction workers, or “tradies,” take their own lives every working day in the UK and Ireland, a stark reflection of the mental health challenges faced by those in the industry. The winter months have seen an unprecedented surge in requests for assistance, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue.
Stu Burman, founder of the Man Cave mental health support group, shared his concerns about the silent suffering among construction workers. “It’s a real shame as there are so many guys who are literally ticking timebombs,” said Burman, who is based in Gorleston-on-Sea. “Men often don’t want to talk about their feelings, they just keep it under their hard hats, but talking saves lives. There’s a bit of banter on site, but there is never any talk about thoughts or feelings.”
Burman, whose online platform helps thousands of men openly discuss their mental health, emphasized the need for quicker access to support. “I had to reach a breaking point before I got any help. I faced the demons on my own—that’s how broken the system is,” he said. “People are waiting six to twelve months for therapy, or they’re simply medicated, flat-lining through life without real support.”
Improvement, but More to Be Done
While progress has been made, industry leaders agree there is still work to be done in improving mental health support for construction workers. Michael Saunders, operations manager at Lovell Homes, which is currently building homes in King’s Lynn, acknowledged the positive strides the industry has taken.
“Twenty to thirty years ago, the industry was much more about toughening up and getting on with it, with people taught to keep their struggles to themselves,” Saunders said. “But we’ve become much softer around the edges now, with more focus on people, safety, and welfare on sites.”
Despite the improvements, Saunders believes there is always room for further progress in supporting workers’ mental health. “The steps made so far are really good, but there’s always more to be done.”
Workshops and Support for Workers
Lighthouse is hosting mental health workshops at Bateman Groundworks in Hethersett and Postwick, as well as at Hitachi Construction Machinery in Norwich. The charity aims to provide workers with the tools to cope with the pressures of the job and foster a culture of openness around mental health.
Sarah Bolton, chief executive of Lighthouse, explained that the unique challenges faced by tradespeople—such as irregular employment and fluctuating incomes—can exacerbate stress and mental health issues. “Tradespeople are often self-employed, so there’s no consistency or continuity of salaries. This, combined with the stresses of everyday life and adverse weather conditions, creates a perfect storm for mental health struggles,” Bolton said.
Despite the growing demand for support, Bolton expressed determination in continuing to assist those in need. “We’ve seen record numbers of calls, particularly over November and December, but we are doing our very best to provide the support needed.”
The workshops, along with continued efforts from organizations like Lighthouse, aim to foster a culture of openness and provide construction workers with the resources they need to address their mental health before it reaches a crisis point.
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