This project is a joint venture between the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) Mental Health Project Steering Group (which includes Mates in Mind) along with industry leaders and academics, including representatives from the Department for Business and Trade, Warwick University, The Crown Estate, BAM UK and Heathrow.. 

The project has focused through the lens of prevention first: ‘To create an environment that fosters better mental health for the people that work in the UK construction industry.’

In September 2025, the project launched a consultation to help identify the primary root causes for poor mental health in construction, informed by previous regional focus groups with on the ground workers. 

In June 2026, the Joint Code of Practice, informed by research and over 3,000 responses to the consultation, will be published.

However, the project will not end there. This is not a ‘once and done’ project, it is not a one-off campaign or initiative. The aim is to continue working with construction organisations and their employees, as well as with relevant partners, to monitor the JCOP’s take-up and further develop the JCOP in order to achieve systemic change across the sector.

Discover how you can assess your organisation's readiness against the JCOP:

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Further reading:

• Visit the CLC website to discover more about the Mental Health in Construction project. 
  
  
• Find out how we are improving mental health across the construction sector.
  
  
• Discover how we can work with you to build positive mental health in and through work.

In October 2025, it was announced that Mates in Mind had been invited by The Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales to be part of the new National Suicide Prevention Network as one of their Innovation Partners.
 
Our funded project is to develop and pilot a digital first approach to mental health training for construction SMEs and sole traders.
 
At the launch the Prince of Wales said: “The incredible partners who form this network reach those at risk of, or affected by, suicide with their inspirational work. I have had the privilege of meeting all of the founding partners to see firsthand their powerful community-based efforts to offer hope and support to those who need it most. Their efforts reaffirm the urgent mission of the National Suicide Prevention Network: to build a bold, unified national response to the heartbreaking—and preventable—tragedy of suicide.”

Further reading:

• Discover more about the National Suicide Prevention Network. 
   
• Download free post-suicide response guide and infographic.
  
  
• Read our blog: How to support the mental wellbeing of your team in terms of suicide prevention and post-suicide response.
  
  
• Discover how we can work with you to build a culture of prevention.

Speak to a member of the team:

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Mates in Mind was a key contributor in the development of the BSI’s new standard BS 30480 Suicide and the Workplace, which offers a framework for organisations to address suicide. This is the first standard globally seeking to address this issue.

BSI brought together a large group of stakeholders across society, including from the Department for Health and Social Care, social enterprises, businesses and charities to develop the Standard. Given our interest and expertise in suicide prevention in higher-risk sectors, and as acknowledged in the introduction to the Standard itself, we were closely involved in the development of this guidance. Over the 18-month development period Mates in Mind was represented on the oversight Steering Committee and the drafting Committee – which was also led by Mates in Mind Ambassador Peter Kelly. Sam Downie continues to sit on the Communications and Engagement Group for the BSI Suicide Standard. 

This work led to Mates in Mind being part of co-creating a group with BSI and others (including the CIOB), to create a specific guide for construction, targeting SMEs and micro businesses that are too small to resource engaging with the full standard. 

Find out how you can build a culture prevention around suicide and incorporate the standard in your workplace today:

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Further reading:

• Read the standard: BS 30480 Suicide and the Workplace.
  
  
• Download free post-suicide response guide and infographic.
  
  
• Read our blog: How to support the mental wellbeing of your team in terms of suicide prevention and post-suicide response.
  
  
• Discover how we can work with you to build a culture of prevention.

In July 2023 the Health and Social Care Committee announced a new inquiry to examine men’s mental and physical health. 

Our submission drew on our expertise, evidence and experience to make eight recommendations for changes that could help to improve mental wellbeing in the workplace.

As a result of our submission, Mates in Mind was one of five organisations invited to give evidence at the Committee’s first oral session on 5 December 2023.

In November 2025, the government published the Men’s health: a strategic vision for England. Following our response to the call for evidence, the report cites Mates in Mind’s work with the Mental Health in Construction JCOP (please see above). The strategy notes that “male-dominated industries are an ideal setting to reach and engage with men, and there is opportunity to use the workplace to influence behaviour change and promote good health through targeted programmes.” It goes on to say that this project “takes a prevention lens to identify and prevent the primary root causes of mental health affecting construction workers.” 

If you want to find out how you can build positive mental health in and through work, get in touch today:

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Further reading:

• Discover more about our Men’s Health Inquiry submission and watch the parliamentary session.
  
  
• Read the Men’s health: a strategic vision for England.
  
  
• Download free mental health and wellbeing resources.
  
  
• Discover how we can work with you to build positive mental health in and through work.

In August 2025, a report was issued on the first phase of the University of Warwick’s research into the challenges faced by young construction workers when entering the industry. The work was supported by the Joint Contracts Tribunal and Mates in Mind. 

Based on interviews with construction workers aged 18-25, the research aimed to identify the key factors that young construction workers see as influencing their wellbeing at work. The research also asked about the availability and accessibility of support, and gathered suggestions for improving workplace wellbeing in construction. 

The research improved our understanding of the challenges faced by young construction workers when starting out in the industry, the impact the challenges have on wellbeing and on how long people want to stay working in construction. The research is clear in its findings that the voices of young construction workers are often overlooked. Our hope is that this work will help to amplify their voices and shine a light on the workplace issues that matter most to them. 

If you want to find out how you can positively influence young construction workers in your workforce, speak to Mates in Mind:

Request a call

Further reading:

• Read the report: Understanding the experiences of ‘on the-tools’ construction workers in England. 
  
  
• Discover our Let’s Talk Mental Wellbeing Programme for apprentices.

During 2025, Mates in Mind facilitated research led by Harper Adams University into the role of so called ‘accidental counsellors’ (land agents, contractors and agronomists who offer a listening ear if/when farmers open up about their challenges and struggles) in supporting the mental health of farmers. The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of training designed to improve knowledge on mental health.

The research looked at how ‘accidental counsellors’ support farmers with their concerns, the value of training in emotional literacy and how the role of ‘accidental counsellors’ can be better supported. As part of this project Mates in Mind led a one-day training workshop for 32 land agents and landowner organisations. 

The research also considered the impact on the wellbeing of ‘accidental counsellors’ who are experiencing poor mental health or who have been through a challenging experience. The research confirmed much that was known anecdotally but provides robust evidence for future work. 

Looking after the farm starts with looking after the people on it. If you want to find out how Mates in Mind can support you book a call today:

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Further reading:

• The report has not yet been published, but the Abstract on Role of ‘Accidental Counsellors’ is available.  
  
  
• Read our blog: Why it is important to strengthen resilience in farming and agriculture.
  
  
• Discover more about the AgriWellbeing Alliance. 

In 2022 Mates in Mind published ‘Supporting the mental health of self-employed construction workers’. A study conducted by Mates in Mind and The Institute for Employment Studies (IES), and funded by B&CE Charitable Trust.

A third of construction workers live with severe levels of anxiety.

The findings from our major study of the mental health of self-employed construction workers and those working in small firms show that intense workloads, financial problems and poor work-life balance are combining to significantly raise stress and anxiety levels. 

Self employed? Don't struggle alone, Mates in Mind is here to support you and your business:

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Further Reading:

• Read and download the report ‘Supporting the mental health of self-employed construction workers’.
  
  
• Read our blog on supporting those working in isolation.
  
  
• Discover how you can help build a more resilient supply chain.