Talking about mental health struggles can be difficult

Protect your colleagues' mental health. It’s not always easy to spot the signs of someone struggling with mental health.

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St John Ambulance has launched the Hi Vis Stress Vest to encourage a more open conversation about mental health at work.

Nearly a third of construction workers we surveyed describe their current state as “struggling”, “overwhelmed” or “suicidal”, while 82% say they’ve suffered with a mental health challenge at some point in their career in the trade. (source 1)

Talking about mental health can feel difficult, but having trained mental health first aiders makes these vital conversations much easier. In fact, 54%, of builders said they would be more likely to share their problems if they had a trained mental health first aider on site. (source 1)

Leaders in the construction industry and familiar faces in the media are using our Hi Vis Stress Vest – emblazoned with some of the real feelings workers keep hidden, to kick start difficult conversations about mental health struggles.

Did you know...

(source 1)

Talk about Mental Health

TV builder Tommy Walsh, presenter Daniel Ashville Louisy and social media star Ben the Operator Wade meet in a local café to chat about their own mental health challenges at work.

"Anything that prompts our people to start opening up is valuable and having something physical to focus on, like these Hi Vis Stress Vests, is hugely helpful. I think every construction company should be training people to hold these kinds of wellbeing conversations."

Rhianwen Condron, Wellbeing Manager, BAM

Did you know...

Productivity

Organisations that treat employees as whole individuals and prioritise mental and physical wellness will be rewarded with more resilient and productive teams. One-third of employers feel that improving employee wellbeing is the top priority for their business. (source 3)

Top Talent

In today’s competitive job market, a business that is seen as caring, supportive, and committed to employee wellness is more likely to attract and retain top talent.

Sick Leave

Mental health training is a wise investment in creating a more inclusive and supportive workplace, leading to reduced sick leave and staff turnover.

Top Talent

In today’s competitive job market, a business that is seen as caring, supportive, and committed to employee wellness is more likely to attract and retain top talent.

Mental Health Courses

Be an employer that’s fully prepared to support people if they have a first aid emergency or struggling with their mental health
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  • Delivered by expert trainers, equipping you to reduce stigma and encourage wellbeing.
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  • Build confidence to foster a positive, stigma-free workplace culture with expert-led training.
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Mental Health Courses

Be an employer that’s fully prepared to support people if they have a first aid emergency or struggling with their mental health

Mental Health Courses

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📞 0344 770 4800 (Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5:30pm)

  • Source 1: Research was conducted on behalf of St John Ambulance by Censuswide, among a sample of 500 UK construction workers, aged 16+. The data was collected between 14.02.2025 - 19.02.2025.
  • Source 2: Commissioned by St John Ambulance and conducted by Censuswide in February 2025 with 1,001 actively employed UK respondents.
  • Source 3: Commissioned by St John Ambulance and conducted by Censuswide in February 2025 with 505 UK HR Directors.

Please note: The Hi Vis Stress Vest is not available for purchase.