Seasonal Mental Health.

In the UK we love to talk about the weather. We moan if it’s too hot and we whinge if it’s too cold or wet, but beyond the small talk, the seasons can have a huge effect on how we feel. “Autumn and winter bring shorter days, longer nights and often more time working in the dark or poor weather – all of which can impact your mood. For those working alone, this isolation can be even more intense,” said Gavin Crane, CEO of Band of Builders. 

For some, the next few months leading up to Christmas can be a worrying time, faced with financial strain, less light, more pressure to finish jobs before the festivities and poor weather interrupting work. 

“It’s not easy, especially when you’re working long hours or moving from site to site. But taking small steps to protect your downtime is essential. Talk to someone you trust. Take your breaks. Don’t let guilt or pride stop you from prioritising your own health,” Crane said. “Many in our industry are quietly battling behind the scenes. That’s why Band of Builders exists – to provide real, practical help and a reminder that there’s a whole community behind you.”

Taking a slightly different approach to improving conditions and support in the construction industry, Mates in Mind works in three ways. Firstly, they collaborate with universities to develop effective mental health interventions at work. Secondly, they aim to influence policy to drive top down changes and lastly they work directly with employers and organisations to create good environments and cultures for mental health. 

Sam Downie, Managing Director of Mates in Mind said, “We encourage employing organisations to look after their workforce, making sure they’ve got things like adequate drying facilities when it’s wet and having toilets that you can access whoever you are.”

Regardless of how good the working environment is, things like grief, addiction, injuries, anxiety and family issues can impact your work life. In 2015, Justin Manley, a former utilities worker turned public speaker and Director of Titanium Talks, found out firsthand the far reaching effects of a workplace accident. After suffering a significant head injury and enduring several life threatening surgeries, once Manley’s physical wounds were healing, the psychological ones were even harder to cope with. 

Fearful of his colleagues’ reactions to his struggles, he shied away from seeking help before finding the courage to share his experiences. “I went back to work and broke down in tears telling them exactly what I’d been going through,” Manley said. “Not one person in that room judged me and that was the turning point for me.” 

Manley’s experience signals a common stigma within the industry. Crane said, “Many construction workers have been raised to ‘crack on’ and keep things to themselves. But that mentality can be dangerous. We need to change the narrative – asking for help isn’t a weakness, it’s a strength. The more we talk openly, share our stories, and support each other without judgement, the quicker we break that stigma down. At Band of Builders, we try to lead by example – showing that there’s no shame in struggling, and even less in reaching out.”

Despite the tough exterior of the construction industry, the inside is soft, gooey and endlessly empathetic. “Community is everything. It’s what sets our industry apart. When someone is in trouble, you’ll rarely find another sector that rallies the way construction does – turning up, getting stuck in, and putting others first,” Crane said. 

“At Band of Builders, we’ve seen people drive hundreds of miles, give up holidays and work weekends just to help someone they’ve never met. That sense of brotherhood and sisterhood is powerful, and it’s what gets people through tough times. It reminds us that we’re never really on our own.”

That doesn’t always make everything feel better in the moment though. Crane said, “Financial pressures over winter, especially leading up to Christmas, can feel enormous – particularly for the self-employed or those in seasonal roles. Planning ahead where possible is key. 

“Set aside a little during busier months, communicate early with family about plans and expectations, and don’t be afraid to reach out for advice if things get tight. We’ve supported workers who just needed a bit of breathing space to get through a rough patch and there’s no shame in that. It’s about protecting your wellbeing, not just your bank balance.” 

Underlining the impact of financial insecurity, Downie said, “If you don’t feel financially confident, you’re in survival mode. That’s not good for us physically in terms of what that does to us feeling like that all of the time, but it also means that we might make decisions to work longer hours than we can really cope with or to work away from home more than we’re really able to.” 

The knock on effect of this can be less sleep, strained relationships and little time to focus on eating healthy or exercising. “When we don’t feel able to take time for ourselves and prioritise the basics you can end up not eating or hydrating properly or operating machinery when you’re tired,” Downie added. 

Although there are valuable resources out there to help with financial management and mental health support, Manley worries that, like himself, some people will be hesitant to explore what’s available to them. He said, “I think some people look at the word charity and think, ‘I don’t want any charity’. The word charity has a stigma that it’s a handout, but the thing is, a lot of contractors and Tier 1 companies put into the likes of the Lighthouse Charity, so it’s their money, it’s not charity. It’s been designed to help and support them.” 

Whether you’re in a position where you need support or just want to be more conscious of staying healthy, there’s plenty of small implementable things that can make tough times a bit easier. “Spending time with others to go and do physical activities, whether that’s a team sport, spending time with your kids at a park or going for a walk in the woods with your dog,” Downie said. “It could be at lunchtime, taking a break and going to sit under a tree off site, ideally with someone else that you can have a chat with about something other than work.” 

Crane advised, “I’d encourage people to stay connected, even if it’s just a daily check-in with a mate or fellow worker. Make use of WhatsApp groups, phone calls or grab a brew with someone when you can. Routine helps too – getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking a bit of time for yourself outside of work. And importantly, if things start to feel overwhelming, don’t suffer in silence. Band of Builders has a 24/7 text support line – just text BoB to 85258 – it’s free, confidential, and run by trained volunteers who understand what you’re going through.”

For workers that often travel for projects and find themselves away from home during the week, the Lighthouse Charity partners with several local groups across the country that offer free get-togethers for construction workers. Manley added, “I think a lot of mental health struggles stem from being away from your family, not being around friends and just being in a hotel on your own or with a few colleagues. Getting out and playing football or finding a local walking group can look after your physical health but also have a massive impact on your mental health.” 

Although this can be one of the toughest times of year, Crane concluded, “No matter how dark things feel, there’s always a light. If you’re reading this and struggling, reach out. Whether it’s a mate, a colleague or a charity like ours, don’t keep it all bottled up. We’re all human. And in this industry, we look after our own.”

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