The mental health of tradespeople is a "secret killer", says Chelmsford construction worker
The "Lost City" campaign launches today hoping to raise £2.8mil over three years to provide therapy to tradespeople
Last updated 14th Nov 2024
A construction worker from Chelmsford - who suffers from PTSD after an acid attack - says the mental health of tradespeople is a "secret killer"
The construction industry in the UK is facing a severe mental health crisis, with over 7,000 tradespeople lost to suicide in the past decade.
Shocking figures reveal that construction workers are four times more likely to die by suicide than the national average.
A new campaign is launching today to tackle the issues and create funding for therapy.
Lee Wilcox, CEO of On The Tools – the UK’s largest tradespeople community - is leading the Lost City Campaign.
He tells us the name comes because the 7000 people lost, is enough to "build and populate an entire city the size of Cardiff".
Nearly three-quarters face mental health challenges and many turn to drugs or alcohol to cope.
After surviving an acid attack, Steve Kerslake developed PTSD and health complications.
He now advocates for mental health support through sports.
He tells us, "in 2008 out in Essex I had sulphuric acid thrown on me - I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time."
Mr Kerslake continues, "people always deny mental health or don't like talking about, but then suddenly get hit by a tonne of bricks, to pardon the pun."
"If people educate themselves on trauma and how we can treat ourselves, you can give yourself a heads up when you get bad news that comes."
Mr Kerslake set up the charity, Construction Sport, after his accident.
The charity aims to provide sporting opportunities for construction workers to enjoy themselves.
This epidemic, fuelled by financial strain, isolation, and lack of support, has cost the industry £2.74 billion in mental health-related absences last year and resulted in a loss of output that could have built 150,000 homes, 80 schools, and three hospitals, according to On the Tools research.
Mr Wilcox tells us "we're raising awareness around suicide in the construction industry. It has the highest rate of suicide than any other industry in the UK."
Mr Wilcox says, "today 2 people in our industry will lose their lives to suicide. That is the statistic."
He's led the Lost City campaign which launches today (14 November 2024) in 10 cities across the UK. It is distributing 7000 hard hats nationally.
Mr Wilcox continues, "10 cities represent the 10 years and 7000 hard harts represent the 7000 people we've lost."
"13 million square metres has not been built across this country because tradespeople aren't' looked after in the same way that other industries are."
On the Tools is trying to raise £2.5million across the next 3 years to make sure tradespeople have access to professional support.