It will encourage tradespeople who are experiencing anxiety, depression, loneliness, relationship issues, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or any other trauma to take the all-important first step of seeking help.

The national builders’ charity said it expanded the support it offers to tradespeople after figures indicated that the suicide rate amongst construction workers in the UK has increased for the fifth year in a row.

Figures from the team at Glasgow Caledonian University’s (GCU) Built Environment Asset Management (BEAM) Centre – in conjunction with the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity – found that the suicide rate for construction occupations in 2021 rose to 33.82 per 100,000.

This figure has risen steadily from 25.52 per 100,000 in 2015 when the figures were first compiled.                                                                                      

BoB was founded in 2016 to help members of the UK construction industry who are battling illness or injury through the completion of practical projects carried out by volunteers.

BoB has a very active community of nearly 50,000 tradespeople across the UK.

Tradespeople can self-refer at any time through the charity’s website and receive confidential counselling via freephone, live chat, WhatsApp, SMS or a callback.

Peter Cape, Big Brew lead at BoB said the charity has been compelled to increase the provision it offers in a bid to turn the tide of the mental health crisis in the construction industry.

“The BEAM data is distressing – especially when you compare it to all other professions, where the suicide rate is 9.14 per 100,000,” Cape added.

Further, he said: “We also introduced a counselling service last year – but we recognised that we could offer more and the new partnership with Spectrum.Life means we can offer a much broader level of support.”

The new Volunteer Assistance Programme has been designed to support people who find themselves struggling with issues including depression, anxiety, stress, addiction, relationship and marital problems, and financial issues.

The platform offers counselling, legal information, financial information, consumer information, career guidance, life coaching, mediation, health information, cancer support, autism support, elderly care support and parent coaching.