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

I'm writing this to raise awareness, particularly for others in the trade. I've seen a lot of people struggle quietly over the years, and it doesn't get talked about enough.

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.

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.

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 hard, 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.

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.

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.

Looking Ahead

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

If you work in the trade and any of this resonates, you're not alone. Have a look at Mates in Mind, talk to someone, or get in touch if it helps.