NAPIT Supports World Mental Health Day and its ‘ Support Starts with Being Heard’
Posted by: electime 9th October 2026
NAPIT is supporting World Mental Health Day by calling on people across the trades to help create a space in which everyone can speak openly and feel heard. This World Mental Health Day, taking place on October 10th, the theme is ‘support starts with being heard’.
In the workplace, a colleague who checks in and listens without judgement can help make it easier to talk. Outside of the workplace, friends and family can remind someone that they do not have to face difficulties alone by giving them time, taking their concerns seriously and staying connected.
Tradespeople can face demanding workloads, time away from home, financial pressures, changing work patterns and the responsibility of keeping others safe. Whether someone is employed, self-employed or running a business, mental health should be prioritised.
NAPIT is encouraging businesses, teams and individuals to build simple habits that make supportive conversations part of everyday working life. Mental Health UK have put together a few simple things that can make a mental health conversation feel safer and more supportive.
Choose the right time and place
Make sure you can give them your full attention, somewhere they feel comfortable and free from distractions.
Listen to understand
Let them share as much or as little as they want, without judgement. Show you’re listening by reflecting what they’ve said and checking your understanding.
Ask open questions
Give them space to explore their thoughts and feelings. Try not to rush in with lots of questions or solutions.
Validate their experience
Avoid assumptions or comparisons. You don’t need to have the answers. Simply acknowledging how they’re feeling can help them feel heard and understood.
Show empathy
Focus on understanding their perspective rather than trying to make things better straight away. Sometimes feeling listened to is more powerful than advice.
Help them find their own next steps
Listen first, then encourage them to think about what might help. Questions like “What do you think would help right now?” can help them feel in control
Stephen Melton, Managing Director at NAPIT, said: “NAPIT is proud to support World Mental Health Day. A conversation at work, with a colleague, or with friends and family can help someone feel less isolated and more able to seek support.
Speaking up can feel difficult but being there to listen and make someone feel heard can help break down stigma.”
