With Mental Health Awareness week on the horizon, family owned builders merchants, Chandlers Building Supplies, is putting its weight behind the Construction Industry Helpline.

A recent survey reveals that more than half (55%) of those working in the construction trade experienced mental health issues in their lives, a worrying 1 in 4 have considered taking their own life and 88 percent said there needs to be more support for those that suffer mental health issues.

Sue McKinney of Chandlers Building Supplies said: “Research into mental health in construction is still in its infancy, but what we know is that it is a significant issue. As a result, Chandlers Building Supplies feel it is important to do something to help. The aim is for every Chandlers Building Supplies’ customer to carry the card and also have one spare for a mate. We want as many of the 2.1 million construction worker in the UK to know about the helpline.”

Launching for Mental Health Awareness Week and running for the entire month of May, Chandlers Building Supplies is actively promoting and distributing the details of the free Construction Industry Helpline through its 13 branches spread across London, the South East and West Midlands.  Available to everyone and offering a confidential and professional service to those within the construction sector, the Construction Industry Helpline has already been a lifeline to many within the sector.

Numerous factors specific to construction work are said to exacerbate poor mental wellbeing such as tight deadlines, often with penalties for non-compliance, to long commutes, low rates of pay, job insecurity, isolation and fatigue.

Pop into any Chandlers Building Supplies branch to pick up your free card and information about the Construction Industry Helpline.

From its origins in 1878, Chandlers Building Supplies now celebrates 25 years under its new management as well as its forthcoming celebratory event in July for its newly extended Brighton branch.