BMF backs BoB’s Every Merchant Matters movement

National construction charity Band of Builders (BoB) has partnered with the Support Yard CIC to announce its new mental health support initiative: Every Merchant Matters, backed by the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF).

The initiative was launched at the latest BMF Members’ Day with the aim of harnessing the unique reach of the builders merchant sector to create a nationwide network of branches where construction workers can find someone who is available to listen, start a conversation and help signpost them towards mental health support.

Once a merchant branch has joined Every Merchant Matters they will be encouraged to make a small donation to receive a Branch Activation Kit, providing materials they can hand out to colleagues and customers in branch.

Branches will also be encouraged to sign up to a ‘Spotting the Signs, Starting the Conversation’ training programme, available to book through the BMF, delivered by The Support Yard CIC.

The three-hour online or in-person course teaches merchant staff how to recognise a meaningful change in customers or colleagues, and understand how to open a low-pressure, caring conversation with those who may need someone to talk to.

Band of Builders CEO Gavin Crane says; “The potential of Every Merchant Matters is enormous. Builders merchants are woven into the fabric of construction communities across the UK, with thousands of conversations taking place across trade counters every single day.

“Imagine the difference that could be made if merchant branches throughout the country became places where tradespeople knew that somebody was available to listen and where information about support was always within easy reach.

“This is about mobilising one of the most powerful networks our industry has and using it to look after its greatest asset – its people.

“Every Merchant Matters is more than a campaign. Our ambition is to create an industry movement and bring about lasting change in the way construction supports its own.”