Charity steps up support as suicide rate in construction industry rises
Band of Builders is offering information and help on mental health and other wellbeing issues.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A charity which offers help to builders and other tradespeople is expanding its support after figures indicated that the suicide rate among construction workers in the UK has increased for the fifth year in a row.
Band of Builders is offering information and help on mental health and other wellbeing issues.
It reported that figures from Glasgow Caledonian University in conjunction with the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity found the suicide rate for construction occupations in 2021 rose to 33.82 per 100,000 from 25.52 per 100,000 in 2015.
Band of Builders has a very active community of nearly 50,000 tradespeople across the UK, and they share so many heart-breaking stories
The charity is encouraging tradespeople who are experiencing anxiety, depression, loneliness, relationship issues, self-harm, suicidal thoughts or any other trauma to take the all-important first step of seeking help.
Spokesman Peter Cape said the charity has been compelled to increase the provision it offers in a bid to turn the tide of the mental health crisis in the construction industry.
“Band of Builders has a very active community of nearly 50,000 tradespeople across the UK, and they share so many heart-breaking stories of people who have been lost, are facing some very serious situations or are generally struggling.”