Public health

Bummed Out

Working in construction and related trades can put a strain on your body and mind. It can also be hard to know who to turn to when you’re feeling low or you’re in emotional pain. But you’re not alone, there are people who can help.

Image of a construction worker with the slogan 'Bummed out - don't bear the load, share the load' written

Chronic pain, long hours, tight deadlines, relationship worries, debt, and feelings of isolation can leave people in the industry feeling strung out and feeling desperate. They often turn to drugs and alcohol or gambling to cope, which bring their own problems and make things worse.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of people who can help below. You can find help for a range of issues including drug and alcohol addiction, debt, suicidal thoughts and more.

Not an easy game

One man who’s been working on building sites for decades told he suffers with depression but has found it hard to speak to people with the industry about it.

It’s not an easy game, especially as you get older. I’ve suffered with depression for a few years now and also had it in my younger days. There’s a stigma around it so you kept it to yourself. And there's a lot of people that I've seen on sites and I know they’re not well.

Can you relate to this? If so, help is available. Check out the range of support available below and speak to someone today.

Support for men

Lighthouse Charity

Free and confidential support for construction workers and their families.  Lighthouse offers emotional, physical and financial advice via phone, text and webchat.

Band of Builders

A national construction charity offering practical, financial and wellbeing support to the UK construction industry.

Hounslow Safe Space Helpline

The Safe Space Helpline run by Mind supports adults who are struggling or feeling overwhelmed.

  • Tel: 020 3475 5185 (11am-11pm, every day)

Single Point of Access (SPA) for mental health, NHS

If you are in a mental health crisis, you can speak to the Mental Health Single Point of Access at any time of the day. You do not need to be referred.

Samaritans

Samaritans provide emotional support to anyone who is struggling to cope and needs someone to listen.  

Papyrus HOPELINE247

If you are having thoughts of suicide, or are concerned for a young person who might be, you can contact HOPELINE247 for confidential support and practical advice.

  • Tel: 0800 068 4141
  • Text: 88247 (both 24 hours a day, every day) 
  • Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org

Shout - Crisis Text Line

  • Text 'Shout' to 85258 (24 hours a day, every day)

Men’s Minds Hounslow

A men’s mental health network run by Mind but directed by its members. See the Men's Minds website for details of group activities or email: mensminds@hfemind.org.uk

Unit 27, Ground Floor, Treaty Centre, 44 High St, Hounslow TW3 1ES.

Hounslow Men’s Shed, Isleworth

Men’s Sheds are kitted out community spaces where men can enjoy practical hobbies. They’re about making friends, learning and sharing skills. Many guys come just for the tea and banter – everyone’s welcome.

Based in the main Chapel building at Isleworth Cemetery, Park Road, Isleworth, TW7 6AX. Sessions are Monday to Friday 9.30am-4.30pm (last entry at 2.30pm).

Andy’s Man Club, Hammersmith

A completely confidential and free of judgement support group.  You can simply turn up and talk as much or as little as you like with no pressure.

Every Monday (except Bank Holidays) 7-9pm.

Men Who Talk

Free online social groups for men on Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings.  Men can talk about what matters without judgement.

Lighthouse Charity

Free and confidential support for construction workers and their families.  Lighthouse offers emotional, physical and financial advice via phone, text and webchat.

  • Tel: 0345 605 1956 (24 hours a day, every day)
  • Text service: text ‘HARDHAT’ to 85258
  • Web chat (Mon-Fri 9am-6pm)
  • Website: https://lighthousecharity.org

James’ Place

James’ Place want to make sure that help is available for every man facing a suicidal crisis and to support them to find hope for the future.

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)

CALM offer practical advice and information with the aim to help people end their misery, not their lives.

ManUp?

Manup have produced a range of podcasts of men talking about their mental health challenges and how they have overcome them.

ARC Hounslow (Drug and Alcohol support)

A free and confidential service that supports residents of the London Borough of Hounslow with alcohol or drug problems.

Crosslight Advice

Free money advice for those who are struggling with debts or need help budgeting.

Debt Free Advice

Debt Free advice provide free, expert advice to those with problem debt.  Their advice is available in person, via phone, video chat and WhatsApp.

Gordon Moody

Whether you need advice, counselling, online support or a structured residential treatment course, the team can help you overcome problems created by gambling.

Gamcare

Gamcare is the leading provider of information, advice and support for anyone affected by gambling.  You can call, chat via WhatsApp or over the web or connect with others via their online forums.

Tel: 0808 8020 133 (24 hours a day, every day)
Website: https://www.gamcare.org.uk

Dads House

Practical and emotional support for single fathers including free family law clinics, peer support group meetings and social activities.

StrongMen

Telephone based peer to peer support and free online counselling for men who’ve been bereaved.

Jonathan’s House Ministries

Confidential support for men who have been or are being abused.

Polish Klan Association

Social and cultural events, workshops, foodbank referrals and clothes for those who are homeless or in financial difficulty

Meetings every Monday (during school term time) 6pm-8pm at Hounslow Youth Centre, 68 Kingsley Road, Hounslow TW3 1QA. 

London Spark

London Spark provides the Polish Citizens Advice Centre offering free support and legal advice. 

Barka UK

Barka offers housing, legal and welfare advice along with emotional support.  It also has an employment programme and a scheme for people to reconnect with their home country.

POSK Polish Centre

The Polish Social and Cultural Association is the largest Polish centre in Europe.  It has a theatre, library, art gallery, restaurant and café.  POSK hosts a range of exhibitions, meetings, concerts, film screenings and theatrical performances.

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