Each year on 10 October, people around the world mark World Mental Health Day, a reminder that mental wellbeing is every bit as vital as physical safety. This year’s theme continues to emphasise the importance of awareness, connection and action. In the UK construction industry, initiatives such as Stop. Make a Change (SMAC) are helping to turn those words into lasting cultural change.

Mental Health in Construction: A Hidden Crisis

Construction remains one of the UK’s most high-risk industries for mental ill health. According to data highlighted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), stress, depression and anxiety account for a significant proportion of work-related illnesses. Tragically, suicide rates among construction workers are also alarmingly high, more than three times the national average.

The reasons are complex. Long hours, job insecurity, tight deadlines and a culture that encourages people to “tough it out” all play a part. However, things are changing. Increasingly, companies are recognising that safety is not only about hard hats and harnesses, but also about creating workplaces where people feel supported, understood and able to speak openly about how they are feeling.

Stop. Make a Change: Pausing for Progress

The Stop. Make a Change (SMAC) campaign, held every October, invites organisations across the construction and infrastructure sectors to pause work temporarily and focus on health, safety and wellbeing. It is a powerful idea – a moment to stop production, start conversations and commit to meaningful change.

Through toolbox talks, helpline packs and training resources, SMAC encourages managers and teams to discuss mental health with confidence and compassion. These conversations can be life changing, helping to dismantle stigma and ensuring everyone knows where to find help if they are struggling.

Learn more at www.stopmakeachange.co.uk.

Mind: Everyone Deserves Good Mental Health

Charities such as Mind play a crucial role in supporting both individuals and employers. Their World Mental Health Day campaign calls for fairness, accessibility and understanding in mental health care. Mind provides excellent resources for workplaces, including guidance on creating mentally healthy environments and training for line managers to spot the signs of distress early.

You can get involved or learn more at Mind’s website.

Creating Safer Workplaces for Every Industry

While construction faces unique challenges, mental health concerns span all workplaces. The HSE urges employers to treat mental health as a key part of their health and safety responsibilities. Simple steps such as open dialogue, manageable workloads and access to support can have a profound impact.

Whether in an office, on a site or behind the wheel, every worker deserves to feel safe, both physically and mentally.

How You Can Make a Difference

  • Start a conversation: Ask a colleague how they are doing and really listen.
  • Promote awareness: Share helplines, posters or host a mental health talk during World Mental Health Day.
  • Support your team: Make mental wellbeing a standing agenda item in team meetings.
  • Take a break: Rest and recovery are not luxuries, they are necessities.

Final Thoughts

World Mental Health Day is not just a date in the diary. It is a call to action. By taking inspiration from initiatives such as SMAC and Mind, we can help build a culture where looking after mental health is as normal as wearing PPE. Let us keep the conversation going today, tomorrow and every day.

 

Sources:

Stop. Make a Change, 2025

HSE, 2025

Mind, 2025