The Big Brew volunteers

THE BIG BREW

HOST A BIG BREW
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Big Brews Hosted

Our Big Brew events bring construction workers and communities together over a simple brew and a conversation. Every Big Brew hosted helps raise awareness around wellbeing in the construction industry whilst supporting Band of Builders’ projects, grants and support services.

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Construction Workers Reached

Through our projects, grants, wellbeing services and community initiatives, Band of Builders continues to reach construction workers across the UK who are facing life-changing circumstances, ensuring they know support is available when they need it most.

What is a Big Brew?

The Big Brew is an annual campaign to encourage UK tradespeople, construction workers and their families to come together over a cuppa, to support one another and remove the taboo around mental health.

It follows the format of a charity coffee morning event where a company or organisation will host a Big Brew so that staff, visitors and customers can come together and talk about the issue of mental health during a builders’ tea break.

Everyone who attends a Big Brew is advised to know their STATS, as this is a great way to start conversations around the issue of mental health: it could be the thing that prompts someone to open up or ask for help.

HOST A BIG BREW

Aims Of The Big Brew

  • Improve awareness of both mental health issues and ways to seek help for members of the UK construction industry.
  • Raise funds to provide free wellbeing services for members of the UK construction industry in need.
  • Raise awareness about the challenges faced by UK construction workers.
  • Encourage community engagement and support.
Wellbeing support

What You Need To Know About The Big Brew

  • Anyone can host a Big Brew.
  • Join in the conversation at #GiveYourselfABreak.
  • The Big Brew is timed to coincide with World Mental Health Day each October.
  • Donations are collected during the event, either as a fixed fee or through voluntary contributions.

Our Big Brew Merchant Locations

The Big Brew

 

25 Big Brew disposable cups

25 Big Brew vehicle air fresheners

25 BoB wrist bands

25 Leaflets

25 Support cards

10 Hard hat stress balls

10 BoB pens

10 Big Brew trolley tokens

1 Box of tea

1 Collection box

The Big Brew supplies

Purchase Your Big Brew Box Here

Bringing Big Brew directly onto construction sites

In partnership wtih

Every day, construction workers walk onto site carrying more than just tools.
Through our partnership with Hays, we meet them where they are, bringing conversations, support, and visibility directly onto site.

Together, we’ve visited over 1,000 sites across the UK, starting conversations that matter and making support visible and accessible to those who need it most.

From site cabins to welfare areas, we help break down stigma and make wellbeing part of everyday site life.

This isn’t a one-off moment. It’s about creating a consistent, visible presence, so construction workers know support is there when they need it.

REQUEST A BIG BREW FOR YOUR SITE
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1000+

sites visited

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UK-wide

reach

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Thousands

of conversations started

BBC TV's One Show filming The Big Brew

Big Brew on BBC TV’s One Show

A Big Brew event at Jewson, in Woking, was the focal point for a film by DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles, which was screened on the popular BBC One programme The One Show.

Nick’s film was timed to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week. The film featured him talking to construction workers about the mental health crisis in the UK construction industry and exploring the reasons why the suicide rate in the sector is far higher than in other professions.

One construction worker told Nick about how only the week previously, one of his friends had taken their own life. Nick also spoke to Dan, a painter and decorator, who bravely spoke openly about his mental health struggles and the steps he has in place to help.

WATCH THE FILM
The Big Brew Stand

Get Involved!

You can support the Big Brew by:

  • Hosting an event – sign up here
  • Attending an event
  • Donate here
  • Sharing on socials
Wellbeing support

Need Help Now?

The Big Brew branded mugs and tea bag packets

Resources

  • Please click here to download your free ‘Big Brew’ resources!
  • Please click here to order your Big Brew pack.
2 men with a cup of tea by the roadside

Help is at hand…

Text support

We operate a 24-hour text service offering support and guidance from a trained counsellor. If you are feeling low or overwhelmed, text BOB to 85258.

Wellbeing support

Our online wellbeing portal provides 24/7 access to unlimited mental health and wellbeing support, including a personal Mental Health Coach and open-ended therapy, at the touch of a button.

WELLBEING SUPPORT