Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
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.
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. 
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 October 10, 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.”
It is the fourth year Jewson has championed the initiative from Band of Builders, its official charity partner.
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.
