Mental health in the construction industry is set to be top of the agenda in 57 Jewson branches and
JPS hubs across the country next week, as they collaborate to host The Big Brew (10th October).
Designed to raise awareness of mental health challenges in the construction industry, The Big
Brew is an annual campaign which encourages builders and tradespeople to come together over a
hot drink to support one another. It is the fourth year Jewson has championed the initiative from
Band of Builders, its official charity partner.
Jewson and JPS are now encouraging general builders and specialist tradespeople to drop in to
their nearest branch during the event on 10th October, to chat with branch teams and find out more
about the free and confidential counselling service that Band of Builders offers.
For a second year, the event will be held in conjunction with On The Tools, the UK’s largest online
construction community in the UK. Direct from Jewson Castleford, On The Tools will live-stream a
panel discussion about how to break down the stigma surrounding mental health, with
representatives from Jewson, JPS and Band of Builders. The stream will be available on the Jewson
Facebook page.
Last year, On The Tools undertook research which found that 93% of UK tradespeople have
experienced mental ill health in some way. The findings also showed that tradespeople are 26%
more likely than workers in other industries to experience these challenges, and that less than a
third (32%) of employed UK tradespeople who have struggled with mental health problems have
access to free counselling or helplines from their employer.
Mark Esling, Chief Commercial Officer for Jewson, said: “This is set to be our biggest ever Big Brew,
with more branches getting involved each year. Jewson is proud to partner the trades, and this
annual event shows just how seriously we as a business take the wellbeing of our customers, and
the proactive steps we take to support them.
“Poor mental health is something that can affect anyone, at any time, and the figures from On The
Tools show this to be staggeringly true of those working in the construction industry. On 10th
October, our doors will be open to those in need of an extra hand or a listening ear, and we hope
lots of customers reach out to us, knowing we care about them as people, as well as professionals.”
Anyone working in the construction industry who’s struggling with their mental health can text BOB
to 85258 24-hours a day, to connect with a Band of Builders representative and receive free
support.
