The mental health crisis in this country has been worsening for some time, but it has been exacerbated by the pandemic and most recently, by the cost-of-living crisis. Combined with the usual pressure cooker stresses of Christmas and New Year, the weeks ahead have the potential to be very overwhelming for some.

We are all aware that construction, including home building, is one of the industries most impacted by poor mental health. Indeed, it never fails to shock me to my core when I think about the fact that two construction workers will take their own lives every working day.

Help for those who need it

This Christmas, I encourage you all to spread the message that help is available for those in need, particularly from the fantastic Lighthouse Club Construction Industry Charity. It is the only charity that provides emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to construction workers and their families and help can be sought by calling their 24/7 Helpline: 0345 605 1956.

Importantly, they also recognise that not everyone feels comfortable talking on the phone and so support can also be accessed through their self-support app (available on IOS and Android) and over text message by texting HARDHAT to 85258.

In recognition of the particular challenges this time of year presents, the charity has also created a special seasonal webpage which includes a wealth of useful information about how to cope during the festive season. Top tips include getting outside for a winter walk, connecting with others virtually and focusing on things you enjoy. You can find a full list of tips on the website.

Remind colleagues of the support available

In addition, I know many of our members have additional resources in place to support colleagues, such as Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP), Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAs) and Toolbox Talks.

Through HBF’s Mental Health Awareness Campaign, we have been working hard to erode the stigma around mental health and while significant progress has been made, there is still a considerable way to go.

This will continue to be a priority for HBF throughout 2023, starting with our awareness raising Parliamentary reception in February. In the meantime, I think the one of the greatest gifts we can offer our fellow colleagues this year is a reminder that it’s good to talk and to ask for help if its needed.

And so, I hope you will all take five minutes to consider the actions you can take this Christmas to remind your co-workers of the wide range of the support available and how it can be accessed. It really could make all the difference.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

With warmest regards,

Stewart Baseley, Executive Chairman

Construction workers and their families can receive 24/7 support via Lighthouse Club's helpline, 0345 605 1956, or by texting HARDHAT to 85258