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.
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
Hounslow Safe Space Helpline
The Safe Space Helpline run by Mind supports adults who are struggling or feeling overwhelmed.
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.
Tel: 0800 3284 4444 (24 hours a day, every day) www.westlondon.nhs.uk/our-services/adult/mental-health-services/single-point-access
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 website for details of group activities or email: mensminds@hfemind.org.uk
Unit 27, Ground Floor, Treaty Centre, 44 High St, Hounslow TW3 1ES.
https://www.hfehmind.org.uk/get-support/mens-minds/
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.
NAZ Project premises: 30 Blacks Road, Hammersmith W6 9DT.
https://www.andysmanclub.co.uk
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.
0345 605 1956 (24 hours a day, every day)
Text service: text ‘HARDHAT’ to 85258
Web chat (Mon-Fri 9am-6pm)
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.
020 3488 8404
20 Bunhill Row, London EC1Y 8LP.
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
CALM offer practical advice and information with the aim to help people end their misery, not their lives.
0800 585858 (5pm-12am, every night)
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.
01895 488675
Montague Hall, Montague Road, Hounslow TW3 1LD.
Crosslight Advice
Free money advice for those who are struggling with debts or need help budgeting.
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.
01384 241292
Dads House
Practical and emotional support for single fathers including free family law clinics, peer support group meetings and social activities.
22 Lillie Road, London SW6 1TS
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.
0800 52 44 202
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. 07423287372.
London Spark
London Spark provides the Polish Citizens Advice Centre offering free support and legal advice.
To make an appointment call 07984 711311 or email anna@londonspark.org.uk
https://londonspark.org.uk/indexen.html
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.
238-246 King Street, Hammersmith, London W6 0RF
