World Mental Health Day 2025: Shining a Light on Mental Health in Construction

Each year on 10th October, World Mental Health Day gives individuals and organisations a valuable opportunity to reflect on how we support mental wellbeing – in our homes, our communities, and our workplaces.

At Alderley Group, we believe the construction industry has an urgent responsibility to prioritise the mental health of its workforce. As one of the UK’s largest sectors – employing over 2.7 million people – construction is often physically demanding, high-pressure, and male-dominated, with long hours and tight deadlines. These conditions can take a significant toll on mental health.

The Hidden Crisis in Construction

The statistics are stark:

• Two construction workers die by suicide every working day in the UK (ONS, 2023).
• The suicide rate in construction is nearly 4 times higher than the national average (Lighthouse Club, 2024).
• Over 1 in 4 construction workers have experienced suicidal thoughts, and 1 in 5 have taken time off due to stress or anxiety (Mates in Mind, 2023).
• Only 44% of workers said they would feel comfortable talking about mental health with their manager (CITB, 2024).

Despite growing awareness, the stigma around mental health in the industry persists — especially among tradesmen who may feel pressure to “man up” or suffer in silence.

What Can Be Done?

Improving mental health in construction starts with culture, conversation, and support. Here are some best practices that companies, managers, and individuals can implement:

1. Open the Conversation

• Create an environment where it’s safe to talk about mental health.
• Use toolbox talks, posters, and team briefings to raise awareness.
• Train managers to recognise early signs of mental distress.

2. Provide Access to Support

• Signpost mental health services and helplines (e.g. Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity Helpline: 0345 605 1956).
• Offer access to confidential counselling, either internally or via external partners.

3. Tackle the Root Causes

• Monitor workload, hours, and deadlines that could increase stress.
• Encourage breaks, healthy habits, and work-life balance.

4. Train & Educate

• Invest in mental health awareness training for staff at all levels.
• Promote mental health as seriously as physical safety

What To Do If You’re Struggling

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, you are not alone — and help is available.

• Talk to someone you trust — a colleague, friend, manager or family member.
• Call a helpline:
• Visit your GP or contact a mental health professional.
• Download an app like Hub of Hope or Mates in Mind for free resources and support.

Our Ongoing Commitment

We recognise that while there is more work to be done across the industry — ourselves included – this is an area we are committed to improving.

From raising awareness to fostering open conversations, we aim to embed mental health into the fabric of our working culture and ensure it is treated with the same importance as physical safety.