NAPIT Encourages Tradespeople to Take Positive ‘Action’ Prioritising Wellbeing this Mental Health Awareness Week 2026
Posted by: electime 11th May 2026
Taking action to support your mental health can help make positive changes to your wellbeing. There are many pressures that tradespeople constantly face that can affect their mental health.
The cost-of-living crisis, personal, family or business finances, work overload, a poor work-life balance, pressures of being a self-employed sole trader or owner and employees of a limited company, physical demands and long workdays, sometimes away from home, are just some of the many struggles that can affect tradespeople’s mental health.
The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 is “Action,” emphasising practical steps to improve mental health. This awareness week, May 11th-17th, provides an opportunity for NAPIT members and tradespeople to explore what ‘action’ they could take to prioritise their mental health.
A male-dominated industry doesn’t have to be lonely, and taking positive actions, big or small, can make all the difference. According to Ironmongery Direct, the most common stress factor for tradespeople is the long or unpredictable hours, and more than one-third of tradespeople revealed that a poor work-life balance contributes to their stress.
Taking action to support your mental health can help you feel better in the present moment. But it can also have long-term benefits, helping you to manage better in the future. The Mental Health Foundation have put together eight actions to improve mental health in the long term.
- Prioritise your health
- Connect with others
- Be present
- Learn a new skill
- Learn to understand and manage your emotions
- Set Boundaries
- Prioritise sleep
- Seek professional support.
Creating sustainable mental health actions that fit into your daily or weekly routine is important for making them into habits that stick. It’s key that the industry learns and shares how we can recognise mental health struggles and what support is available.
Stephen Melton, Commercial and Compliance Director, said: “More conversations need to be had around the stigma on mental health for skilled trade workers. We hope NAPIT members and tradespeople recognise that it is okay to seek support and prioritise their wellbeing.”
Mental Health Awareness Day Resources:
- Top ten actions for good mental health
- Quick actions for a mental health boost
- Eight actions to improve mental health in the long-term
Contacts and Helplines
SHOUT
For free, confidential support, 24/7, text SHOUT to 85258.
If you are struggling to cope and need to talk, trained Shout volunteers are available day or night.
Lighthouse Charity
The Lighthouse Charity provides emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to the construction community and their families.
Helpline: UK – 0345 605 1956
Or email supportservices@lighthouseclub.org
Samaritans
The Samaritans offer emotional support 24 hours a day – in full confidence.
Writing an email can be a calm and safe way to work through what’s on your mind.
Samaritans volunteers answer each email that comes through to jo@samaritans.org
It may take several days to receive a reply by email. If you need someone straight away, you can call 116 123 any time, day or night.
