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Bowmer + Kirkland, alongside Ark Fire Protection, delivered a large-scale site-wide mental health stand down in Manchester to highlight on the growing mental health crisis within the UK construction industry.
On Friday 14 November, more than 250 workers across Bowmer + Kirkland’s Echo Street site paused work to take part in the initiative. The stand down was a deliberate interruption to the working day, creating space to acknowledge the pressures faced by construction workers and to encourage open, honest conversations around mental health.
The session was led by the Lighthouse Charity, the construction industry’s dedicated charity supporting emotional, physical and financial wellbeing. Their frank and engaging talk addressed mental health, suicide prevention and the realities many people in the sector face, with a focus on breaking stigma, recognising warning signs and encouraging individuals to seek help when needed.
By stepping away from daily pressures, workers were able to directly engage with an issue that continues to impact the industry at alarming levels. Following the talk, attendees were encouraged to continue conversations informally over coffee, reinforcing the importance of connection and peer support on site.
National data shows that, on average, two construction workers die by suicide every working day in the UK, with those working in the sector almost four times more likely to take their own lives than workers in other industries. These figures reflect a wider systemic challenge driven by long hours, sustained pressure, financial strain and a historic culture of silence around mental health.
To extend the message beyond the site, Bowmer + Kirkland and Ark Fire Protection illuminated the Manchester scheme’s façade. The projection displayed powerful messages drawn from lived experience within construction.
The projection was delivered with the generous support of Bowmer + Kirkland’s trusted suppliers on the scheme: Bolton Steel Structures Ltd, WysePower, Smith Painters Ltd, Brand Access Solutions, A&B Engineering, Xsign, Richmond Furniture, Eire Facades, Keith Walton Brickwork Limited, S1 Roofing Ltd, Taylor Hart Limited and Zarafa Group. Coffee and hot drinks on the day were provided by Grounded MCR, a social enterprise supporting and training vulnerable adults.
The stand down and projection form part of Bowmer + Kirkland’s wider commitment, alongside Ark Fire Protection, to prioritise wellbeing across sites and supply chains. The Lighthouse Charity continues to provide free, confidential 24/7 support to construction workers and their families, including counselling and emergency financial assistance.
Support is available by calling 0345 605 1956 or texting HARDHAT to 85258.
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