Mental Health Hub for trade workers launched at local Exeter show as industry suicide rates soar

Shining the spotlight on supporting the mental health of tradespeople, a local Exeter trade show is launching its dedicated Mental Health Hub with the aim of fostering conversation, offering support and potentially saving lives.

In the UK, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women1 and in construction – a male dominated industry – men are three times more likely to take their own lives. Two people working in the UK construction industry die by suicide every day3, which equates to more than 700 people a year.

A recent report2 shows that four in five tradespeople (84%) experience mental health issues due to their job with nine in ten (89%) aged between 18 and 24 reporting mental health issues each year. Those aged 35 to 44 face problems most often with 1 in 10 admitting daily struggles.

Shockingly, nine in ten trade workers1 reveal they don’t know how to access mental health support services, which is why organisers of the Toolfair and Elex Show, Hamerville Media Group, is debuting its designated Mental Health Hub at the Westpoint Arena, Exeter show on 27th and 28th September. The show is free to attend for anyone working in the construction industry.

Toolfair and Elex Show is known for being one of the premiere events for the trades, bringing together industry experts, leading brands and innovative products under one roof. This year the focus extends beyond tools and equipment, with a particular emphasis on addressing growing mental health issues within the trade.

Supported by two leading charities, visitors are encouraged to drop into the Mental Health Hub, start talking and begin their path to improving mental well-being for themselves, or someone else in their life who needs help.  

ANDYSMANCLUB is a men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support group across the UK. Part of the Mental Health Hub at the Toolfair and Elex Show in Exeter, the charity’s Marketing and Partnerships Champion, Lucas Whitehead, says: “The first rule about ANDYSMANCLUB is it’s okay to talk. Our free nationwide support groups offer a space where men can open up about the storms affecting their lives in safe, judgement free space. We want to break down the stigma of men’s mental health and offer a platform where they don’t have to battle to be heard or listened to, but where they can join the fight to reduce the rate of suicide in men. We’d encourage anyone visiting the Exeter show to come and find us in the Mental Health Hub and have a chat, whether they need the help now, or in the future, we’re here to help.”

The top five reasons why tradespeople feel so stressed within the industry are cost of living crisis (39%), rising cost of material/equipment (36%), financial issues (28%), tensions with customers (20%) and pressure to do the best job for the customer (17%).

Launched in late 2020 the MYH Podcast is a platform for those who work in the construction industry. It’s a place where they can listen to others in the industry talk about their experience of poor mental health and get information and support. Commenting on the importance of opening up and talking, Podcast founder, Rob Muldoon, says: “I started the podcast to give people hope and to let them know they’re not alone, no matter how dark times seem, help is out there and there are other people who have had similar experiences. I’m so passionate about raising awareness about mental health in construction and am thrilled to be part of the Mental Health Hub at the Toolfair and Elex Show in Exeter. Whatever they want to talk about, anyone visiting is welcome to come and find me, sit down and have a chat. If we all start talking, together we can break down the barriers surrounding mental health and save lives.”

Dominic Shannon, Head of Marketing at Hamerville Media Group, the show’s organiser, says: “We are proud to announce the launch of our Mental Health Hub at this year’s Toolfair and Elex Show in Exeter and are grateful to ANDYSMANCLUB and the Mind Your Head Podcast for their unwavering support in bringing this space to fruition.

“In a world where the importance of mental-wellbeing cannot be overstated, providing a dedicated space for attendees to access help and support is paramount. It’s testament to our commitment to fostering a supportive environment where those working in the trade can find the resources they need to prioritise their mental health. It’s not just an addition to the event, it’s a reflection of our commitment to the holistic health of those working in the trade who may need help now, or in the future.”

For more information on the mental health hub and to get your free tickets for the Toolfair and Elex show visit: https://toolfair.info/exeter/

To find out more about ANDYSMANCLUB and how to attend their free nationwide support groups, visit: https://andysmanclub.co.uk/

Listen to the MYH Podcast and find out about onsite talk visits here: https://themyhpodcast.co.uk/