In recent years, mental health has moved to the forefront of industry conversations, and rightly so. For those working in the trades, the pressures are real: long hours, physical demands, tight deadlines, job insecurity, and, for many, the weight of working alone.
At CORGI Services, we’ve long recognised the connection between safety and well-being. It’s not just about checking the tools or installing systems correctly, it’s about ensuring that the people doing the work are safe, supported, and seen. That’s why we continue to champion mental health awareness across the home improvement and construction sectors, and why it still matters now more than ever.
The Hidden Struggles in Our Sector
The construction and home services industries are essential, yet they’re also facing a mental health crisis that can’t be ignored.
According to industry research:
- 1 in 4 construction workers have considered taking their own life
- Men in construction are three times more likely to die by suicide than the national average
- Only one in five tradespeople feel comfortable discussing mental health with their employer
Behind every boiler fitted, bathroom installed, or extension built, there’s a human being, and many are carrying burdens we don’t always see.
Our Commitment: Supporting the People Behind the Work
We believe that safety should never stop at the jobsite, it should include emotional safety, too.
At CORGI Services, our support for mental health isn’t just lip service. It’s an embedded part of who we are and how we show up in the sector. It’s in the conversations we have, the partners we work with, and the awareness we raise.
That’s why we’re proud to support Band of Builders, a charity doing extraordinary work to provide mental health support and financial assistance to tradespeople and their families when life takes a turn.
About Band of Builders
Band of Builders began with a single fundraiser to help a friend, and has grown into a national movement dedicated to supporting tradespeople in need.
From building accessible home adaptations for injured workers, to offering mental health support through the Big Brew initiative and crisis counselling programmes, Band of Builders brings the power of community and compassion to the construction and home improvement industries.
They know, as we do, that sometimes a conversation can be the most powerful tool on site.
Breaking the Stigma
For years, there’s been a reluctance in the trades to talk about mental health. But times are changing. More and more businesses, employers, and self-employed professionals are beginning to recognise the importance of checking in, not just clocking in.
We’re helping to lead that change.
Our partnership with Band of Builders is one part of a bigger mission, to make it okay to speak up, seek help, and support each other. Whether it’s a colleague under pressure, a friend going quiet, or a worker taking on more than they should, there’s power in asking, “Are you alright?”
Because no one should feel like they have to suffer in silence.
What Can We Do?
If you’re in the industry, whether you’re on the tools, running a business, or just starting out, you have a role to play in making mental health a priority.
Here’s how you can help:
- Talk more: Normalise conversations about mental well-being on site and in the van.
- Look out for each other: Notice changes in behaviour or signs of stress.
- Share resources: Let your colleagues know where to turn for support.
- Get involved: Support campaigns like the Band of Builders’ Big Brew or Mental Health Awareness Week.
And if you’re struggling yourself, know this: you are not alone. Help is available, and there is no shame in reaching for it.
A Safer Future Is a Healthier One
At CORGI Services, we talk a lot about standards. About doing things properly. About getting the job done safely.
But the most important standard we can raise? It’s how we look after each other.
Mental health isn’t a one-time campaign or a tick-box on a poster. It’s a culture. It’s a commitment. And it’s something we’ll continue to advocate for, through our partnerships, our content, our platforms, and the people we reach.
Because if we want a strong, skilled, and sustainable workforce for the future, we need to care for the hearts and minds behind it.
Join the Movement
We’ll be sharing more from our partnership with Band of Builders throughout the year, including ways to get involved, stories from tradespeople, and upcoming awareness campaigns.
In the meantime, if you or someone you know needs support, please visit:
👉 www.bandofbuilders.org
Let’s keep the conversation going. Let’s make it safe to talk. Let’s show that in this trade, no one is ever alone.