Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
Independent builders’ merchant Bradfords Building Supplies will be working with the charity Mental Health UK to offer support for tradespeople.
The oldest builders’ merchants in the UK, celebrating its 250th birthday this year, aims to help promote the support available for those working in the industry. News of this new partnership coincides with the start of Mental Health Awareness Week.
Mental Health UK supports people affected by mental health problems across the UK, bringing together over 40 years of expertise from its four national founding charity partners to improve understanding and provide vital care. Alarmingly, according to the Office of National Statistics, male site workers in construction are three times more likely to die by suicide than the average UK male. Bradfords has pledged its support to the charity and will help to promote its work to tradespeople who may be struggling with their mental health. The merchant wants to change the industry’s perception of mental health and provide people with the confidence to have open conversations about mental wellbeing.
Giles Bradford, communications & engagement manager at Bradfords, said: “The shocking mental health statistics from our industry are a vivid reminder of the difficulties faced by many working in construction every day – not least during the current pandemic where tradespeople are under incredible amounts of stress carrying out important work.
“As a family-owned business, people are at the heart of what we do and we know that many of our employees and customers are likely to be impacted in some way by poor mental health. This partnership will help us to do more to tackle the stigma that still exists and provide guidance to help support our amazing legion of customers across the region. This year marks our 250th anniversary and with it being Mental Health Awareness Week, we couldn’t be more proud to begin this new partnership.”
Brian Dow, CEO of Mental Health UK, added: “We’re delighted to be working with Bradfords Building Supplies. Our partnership will help to support colleague wellbeing and raise vital funds for Mental Health UK. With the construction industry particularly impacted by mental health problems and during a time where Bradfords colleagues have been continuing essential work throughout the covid-19 crisis, it’s more important than ever to stay not just physically safe but mentally healthy. We look forward to working with Bradfords and their colleagues to transform the perception of mental health, one conversation at a time.”
