Building mental health in construction
Construction can be a rewarding and varied industry to work in. But it’s also one where pressures can be high, and people can be more likely than average to experience work-related stress and other mental health issues. For employees, it often hasn’t felt easy to come forward, mention that something’s wrong or ask a colleague to talk.
But the industry is changing. Many construction businesses have been making staff mental health a priority. And with plenty of help, information and training available, it’s easier than ever to put employee mental health and wellbeing at the heart of your organisation. We've put together this toolkit of resources from a range of specialist organisations to help you know where to start and how to take things further.
Five steps to a supportive culture
Building Mental Health framework was launched by the Lighthouse Charity and several other volunteer groups. The movement helped raise the profile of mental health in construction.
The job isn't complete as highlighted by CIOB in their 2025 report. Here are some of their recommendations for companies to help overcome the persistent challenges impacting the mental health and wellbeing of workers in the construction.
- Commit to achieving better mental health outcomes by signing Mind's Mental Health at Work Commitment.
- Implement policies that support your workforce throughout the employee lifecycle.
- Train management in identifying and managing poor mental health. For micro businesses, access free webinars, guidance, and resources.
- Foster trust by building an open culture around mental fitness and the factors which make staying 'mentally fit' challenging.
- Evaluate how you work with your supply chain contractors and clients to see how their mental health initiatives can be passed down to all.
The resources below have been specially selected to support these steps. Or, if you’re just starting out, they’ll give you a great introduction and some ways to make small changes straight away.
Resources in this toolkit:
Mates in Mind
Mates in Mind offer organisations a number of tools and resources to help them improve the mental health of their workforce, such as; awareness day resource packs, posters, infographics, factsheets and much more.
Construction Industry Helpline app
Sometimes the easiest way to get help is on your phone screen, especially if you're onsite. This app is filled with advice and guidance on all sorts of wellbeing topics for construction workers.
Construction Industry Helpline packs
The Construction Industry Helpline is the confidential support service for construction workers and their families. These packs of posters and cards can help you spread the word in your workplace.
Toolbox Talks
Construction suicide prevention partnership have created some toolbox talks to facilitate effective and efficient conversations around suicide prevention, mental wellness, substance use, and accessing services. You can also access their stigma-focused podcast series, training options and much more.
Suicide prevention training from the Zero Suicide Alliance
This free online training shows how you can help people who might be contemplating suicide by bringing up the subject and offering support. The course is available to everyone and is accessible without any kind of registration or login.
Spotlight on mental health
The Considerate Constructors Scheme's Spotlight on Mental Health has facts and figures, legal information and a regularly-updated library of examples of best practice in supporting mental health in construction.
The Construction Workers’ Charitable Trust
Since 1991, the Trust has supported thousands of people working in construction, along with their dependants, who need financial or emotional support, information and guidance or grants for training. Their freephone support line 0808 801 0372 is open 8am and 8pm seven days a week.
CITB grants for short training courses
Construction employers who are registered with CITB can claim grants to pay for short training courses, including mental health training. This page has all the information.
