This week is Mental Health Awareness Week (12–18 May 2025), and the theme is one that couldn’t be more relevant to us in construction: ‘community’.
At Sheriff Construction, we’re taking this opportunity to join the conversation by exploring why being part of a community is so important for mental health, shining a light on the worrying rates of suicide in construction, and considering what we can all do to support each other better. Join us by taking a moment to read this week’s blog.
Why Mental Health Awareness Week matters
Run by the Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Awareness Week has been a national fixture in the UK since 2001. Each year it focuses on a key issue in mental health and this year, it’s all about celebrating the power of community.
Strong communities help people feel safe, connected and supported, all of which can make a massive difference to our wellbeing. When we feel that we belong, we’re more likely to thrive. We cope better with stress, feel less isolated and we are more likely to seek help when things get tough.
While you might initially associate a community with the neighbourhood you live in, a community doesn’t have to be only linked to your postcode. Your community could be your work crew, a sports team, your faith group or even a group of people with whom you have a shared passion. What matters is that it helps you feel valued and reminds you that you’re not alone.
Mental health and the construction industry
Sadly, the construction industry has some of the highest suicide rates in the UK.
Build Network UK have looked at the data and it’s truly shocking. Construction workers are four times more likely to take their own lives than the national average. In 2022, this meant 749 construction workers died by suicide – more than two people every day.
What’s really important to remember is that these people are more than just numbers – they’re someone’s friend, brother, colleague, husband or dad.
But there’s hope – and community is part of the solution.
When people feel they can open up, ask for help and be heard without judgement, it can change (and even save) lives. That’s why we’re calling on everyone at Sheriff Construction to be part of building a safer, more supportive workplace.
If you’re struggling, please don’t bottle it up. Speak to your supervisor, a teammate or someone in the office. And, if you think someone else might be going through a difficult time, ask them how they’re doing. A simple check-in can make all the difference.
Let’s make sure that at Sheriff, no one ever feels they’re on their own.
One more thing…
In 2025, as part of our company’s 20th anniversary celebrations, we’ve set ourselves a target of raising £20,000 for charity. Keep a lookout for our blog later in the month where we’ll say more about everything we’ve got planned. Meanwhile, we’re proud to reveal that one of the good causes we’ve chosen to support is SOS Silence of Suicide.
This brilliant charity works to break the silence and stigma around suicide and mental health. They offer a free helpline for people in crisis and those who are worried about someone they care about. You can find out more about them here.
From talk to action
This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is a reminder of how much community matters – in our lives, our industry and our workplace. So, let’s put the talk into action this week and take a moment to look out for each other, check in with our mates and make sure Sheriff Construction is a place where people feel safe and supported.
Got an idea for how we can strengthen our workplace community? We’d love to hear it. Share your thoughts on our social media channels today – Facebook or LinkedIn.
13.05.2025
Feature image: Freepik
