Why I Support Mates in Mind, and Mental Health Awareness In Construction (and What It Means for My Sites)

I grew up learning how to build. Landscaping has always been in my blood, a trade that supported me through studying music, art, design and photography. For me, the practical skills of making things have always gone hand in hand with the creative side. It is a livelihood, but also a foundation for everything else I do.

That is why I often encourage people, especially younger people, to learn a trade. It can support you while you pursue other interests, and it teaches resilience, problem solving, and the satisfaction of creating something real and tangible.

The Reality of Landscaping

Landscaping is one of the most rewarding jobs I know, but it is also one of the toughest.

• You battle the weather in winter and summer.

• You carry out back breaking, dirty work that demands physical and mental stamina.

• You work to tight timelines and often tight budgets.

• You also draw on a wide set of skills that are often under acknowledged: construction know-how, design awareness, problem solving, and precision craftsmanship, all in the rather unpredictable UK weather.

• When a project is complete and a garden is transformed, it is always

  worth it. But getting there takes its toll, and it is important to acknowledge that.

A Mental Health Crisis in Construction

The building trade touches every walk of life, and the statistics are sobering. Rates of stress, anxiety and depression in construction are significantly higher than the national average. It is a crisis that does not get talked about enough.

That is why I have become an official supporter of Mates in Mind, a charity that works to improve mental health in the construction industry. Their work helps to break stigma, open conversations, and create healthier workplaces for everyone.

My Approach on Site

While I cannot change the whole industry alone, I can make sure the sites I run are healthy, safe and open places to work. On site we:

• Encourage open conversations about what is on our minds.

• Check in with each other and notice when someone is struggling.

• Look out for one another when the pressure rises.

• Challenge the stigma by making it normal to talk about mental health.

• Remind ourselves that even under deadlines and strain, it is possible to run a positive, supportive site.

Often people in the trades can feel stuck, so I also offer mentoring and support for landscapers and builders who want to go it alone or improve their skills. For me, it is about awareness, open conversation, and making sure people know they are not on their own.

Do get in touch if this applies to you.

Looking Ahead

Construction will always be demanding. Landscaping especially asks a lot of those who do it. But with the right culture, support, and awareness, it does not have to cost us our health.

I am proud for PatchWorks to officially support Mates in Mind, and I will continue to do whatever I can to be a positive force in this industry.