How the Local Heroes platform is helping generate mental health awareness among tradespeople
A survey of workers has revealed the need to provide further support in the industry
UK home improvement service Local Heroes – which helps match consumers with local, vetted trades men and women – decided to poll 500 tradespeople about the impact of the Covid-19 crisis.
Among the many illuminating insights uncovered by the Mental Health Survey* was that nearly half (45%) of skilled tradesmen and women feel there isn’t enough mental health support and awareness in their industry. What’s more, 70% of the workers polled reported struggling with their mental health during lockdown, and 60% feel there is a social stigma around openly discussing mental wellbeing.
Though the ways these issues manifest vary (35% had experienced anxiety while 28% had experienced depression), a significant 79% of responders feel their job has negatively impacted their mental health.
That’s why Local Heroes has teamed up with Mental Health UK to launch an online Mental Health Awareness guide for tradespeople, with the mission to help improve understanding and highlight where to seek support.
- 91% of those polled find day-to-day work stressful all the time
- 52% feel comfortable discussing their mental health with their partner
- 34% feel uncomfortable opening up to their colleagues in the workplace when feeling stressed or down
- 79% feel their job has adversely affected their emotional well-being
“At this unprecedented time, concerns about your own health, and that of your families are bound to be causing stress, and this is exacerbated by loss of income also causing money worries,” says Sarah Murphy, associate director for advice, information, and training at Mental Health UK.
“That is why we are delighted to be working with Local Heroes to ensure all tradespeople, and their families can improve their understanding of mental health, know how to spot the signs within themselves, their colleagues and family members, and, importantly, to know where to see help and support, both for their mental and financial health,” Murphy adds.
Local Heroes has teamed up with Mental Health UK until the end of June, and will be donating 10% of every job completed by our Local Heroes when customers use the code MENTALHEALTHUK.
"Attitudes towards mental health have changed over the past few years, but unfortunately the pandemic has proved there's still much work to do”, says Camilla Benitz, head of Local Heroes. “We're proud to work with Mental Health UK to further that conversation and provide any help we can to anyone who is struggling during this particularly difficult time."
About Local Heroes
Local Heroes’ network of more than 7,000 companies covers everything from boiler installations and plastering to TV aerial installations and locksmith services. They’re backed by British Gas, so work arranged through the platform has a guarantee of 12 months. Thanks to smart tech and an in-house team, the site is easy to use: just input what needs doing, your location and date and time preferences, and the service will find you a Hero.
Visit localheroes.com to find out more.
*The Local Heroes Mental Health Survey was conducted by Opinium on behalf of Local Heroes between 16 and 20 April, using a sample of 500 tradespeople.