MacBlair has launched its mental health campaign, 'How's the Head?', in partnership with local comedian Dave Elliott and leading mental health charity Action Mental Health (AMH). The campaign encourages tradespeople across Northern Ireland to stay connected and make wellbeing part of the everyday conversation.
The initiative is supported by new research commissioned by MacBlair, which found that almost half of tradespeople spend at least four hours of a typical working day alone. Despite this, 92% said that having a quick chat with someone during the day has a positive impact on their wellbeing.
The research also highlighted the importance of maintaining connections with friends, family and colleagues. Almost all respondents (94%) agreed that staying in touch with friends and family is important for their overall wellbeing, while 64% said interactions with other people during the working day are very or extremely important.
To help bring the campaign to life, MacBlair is encouraging tradespeople to take five minutes for a Builder's Brew. Whether it's calling a friend between jobs, catching up with someone on site or checking in after a long day, the campaign aims to show how small moments of connection can make a meaningful difference.
Alan Wright, Managing Director at MacBlair said: "At MacBlair, we work closely with tradespeople across Northern Ireland every day, so we understand that working independently can be both rewarding and demanding.
“How's the Head” is about helping to make wellbeing part of the everyday conversation and creating a culture where people feel comfortable speaking openly when they need support. It is encouraging that 70% of tradespeople believe the industry is becoming more open about mental health and wellbeing. The stats show that there is still more to do, but that shift shows real progress."
The campaign also highlights the support available through Action Mental Health, helping to raise awareness of the services available to individuals experiencing mental health challenges and reinforcing the importance of seeking support when needed.