https://www.thelandsite.co.uk/files/articles/42a5bfccdd6e11ea98240afeec538f48/cin3_2.jpg 484

Construction Charity Braced for Christmas Surge in use of its New Mental Health Text Service

Posted by Construction Industry News Magazine on 21st December 2022 -

title

National construction charity Band of Builders (BoB) is gearing up for an increase in use of its new mental health text service during the festive period – following new figures that indicate that 5,583 people died by suicide in Britain during the last year.

The charity launched the service in October as part of its annual Big Brew campaign so that tradespeople, contractors and their families can text BOB to 85258 at any time to get much-needed help. BoB is expecting to see a spike in usage over Christmas and into the new year – and it wants to encourage people from across the construction community not to suffer in silence.

Peter Cape, the Big Brew lead at Band of Builders, says that Christmas is always a stressful period at the best of times – but this year it is compounded by additional pressures such as the cost-of-living crisis and sky-high energy bills.

“Band of Builders is making a simple appeal this Christmas to everyone involved in the construction industry to ask for help if they are suffering with mental health issues,” he said. “We’re asking scaffolders, roofers, electricians, builders and everyone else in construction, or their families, who are concerned about their mental health to take that all-important first step and text BOB to 85258.

“Our text service team are trained to respond to the full spectrum of mental health issues, including abuse, addiction, anger issues, anxiety, bereavement, bullying, depression, loneliness, personality disorders, relationship issues, self-harm, trauma, work-related stress and even suicidal thoughts.

“ONS figures used as part of the Big Brew campaign – which is sponsored by Big Red Construction – suggest that UK construction sector workers are nearly three times as likely to die by suicide than their counterparts in other industries, and the suicide rate of UK construction workers is estimated to be as high as two people every day.”

The appeal is especially important, as figures being reported in The Times newspaper suggest that last year, 5,583 people died by suicide in Britain.

Peter added that the sole aim of the Big Brew has been to make it as easy as possible for tradespeople and contractors to take the first step and reach out. Last year’s campaign raised enough money to fund a counselling service specifically for the construction industry for two years.

“The new text service has been a welcome addition to the counselling service – which means we can offer different routes by which tradespeople can get much-needed help and support.”

Source information, guides and construction services

 

Browse TLS Insights magazine - Your #1 source for real estate trends, data and insight  December Issue  The digital magazine for property developers, landlords, investors and everyone with an interest in the real estate sector.

 

Discover real estate services and property listings


Nigel Martin

Showcasing excellence in construction.

Link to Construction Industry News Magazine business profile

26th March 2025
Full Guide on how to Improve Home Safety as an Elderly Person
Smart home devices aren’t just for tech enthusiasts. They can offer invaluable support for elderly individuals, making their homes safer, more convenient, and easier to manage.
Read more
25th March 2025
BPF Spotlight Series: MIPIM 2025
Chief Executive Melanie Leech and a small team from the BPF and UKPA returned last week from a busy MIPIM, where they were flying the flag for the UK property industry. 
Read more
21st March 2025
The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2025
The Sunday Times Reveals the Best Places to Live in UK 2025
Read more