Prioritising Mental Health
Stonewest NewsBy Amanda Treadwell, Mental Health First Aider
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September 2025) and this year’s theme is ‘Changing the narrative on suicide’. A difficult yet important and essential conversation, encouraging us to raise awareness and reduce stigma around suicide, prioritising the mental health of our colleagues.
As part of the Stonewest team, I am proud that we are taking this issue seriously and are making mental health part of our culture. As a trained Mental Health First Aider, I am committed to giving our team the confidence to speak up with the assurance that they will be heard. This is a valuable part of our long-term commitment to supporting mental health. Through continuous training and awareness initiatives, we are building a culture where mental health is understood, supported, and openly discussed.
The construction industry remains one of the most male-dominated and high-pressure industries in the UK. Long hours, transient site work, physical risk and the lingering stigma around mental health contribute to a perfect storm of stress, anxiety and isolation.
The mental health crisis in construction isn’t just about individual wellbeing – it’s a growing threat to workforce sustainability, retention and safety. The sobering statistics find that construction workers are at an increased risk of suicide and a study* by On The Tools (a social media community of tradespeople) found that 73% of construction workers in the UK have been impacted by mental illness. It states there are around 2.1 million construction workers across the UK with 7,000 lives thought to be lost due to suicide.
We encourage our industry colleagues to support their teams and change the conversation when it comes to mental health.
Here are some useful resources:
International Association for Suicide Prevention provides useful support and information.
Mates in Mind is a leading UK charity focusing on construction as well as other sectors.
Mental Health First Aid England provides useful support and training.
The Lighthouse Charity is a construction industry charity providing support for construction workers and their families.
Hub of Hope is available for help and support, anytime you need it.
