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It’s ok to ask for help

In partnership with NHS Talking Therapies

As part of Band of Builders’ Big Brew initiative, we’re proud to be partnering with the NHS in England to encourage anyone working in construction who may be struggling with their mental health to reach out and seek support.

NHS talking therapy Find your local service

Free Confidential Self refer No GP required

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A Partnership for construction

Band of Builders and NHS Talking Therapies are working together to encourage construction workers to seek support earlier and access free, confidential mental health services when they need them.

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The construction industry continues to have one of the highest rates of suicide of any sector in the UK. That’s why it’s so important to raise awareness of the practical, accessible help available to those who need it. Whether you’re on site, in the workshop or running your own business, it’s important to know you’re not alone. If you’re struggling with your mental health, don’t wait to seek support. Reaching out for help can be difficult, but taking the first step towards support can make a real difference.

One support option is NHS Talking Therapies – a free and confidential service that provides practical tools and techniques to help you overcome common anxiety conditions.

Find your local NHS talking therapies service

NHS Talking Therapies can support you

Treatment can be in-person, on the phone or via a guided online course and you don’t need a diagnosed mental health condition to access support. You can refer yourself directly to the service without seeing a GP first.

  • Anxiety

  • Phobias

  • Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

  • Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)

  • Difficult feelings

  • Depression

  • Coping with a long-term health condition

How it works

  • Complete a Self Referral

    You don’t need to speak to your GP first

  • Telephone Assessment

    A practitioner will contact you to understand how you’re feeling. Usually around 30 minutes.

  • Your Treatment Plan

    Together you’ll agree the right support for you

  • Start treatment

    Treatment may include:

    • Face-to-face sessions
    • Telephone appointments
    • Online guided therapy

    Everything is confidential.

Meet us on the road

Throughout 2026, you can meet the Band of Builders team at one of 83 Travis Perkins Big Brew events, as well as major trade shows including InstallerSHOW, ToolFair, FixFest and Super Trowel, where you’ll be able to learn more about NHS Talking Therapies and the support available.

Mental health crisis support

If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis, NHS Talking Therapies is not the right service.

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24/7 urgent mental health help is available by calling NHS 111 and selecting the mental health option.

Call NHS 111
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If someone’s life is at risk, it’s important to seek help straight away. Call 999 or go to A&E.

Call 999

For more information on getting urgent mental health help from the NHS, see www.nhs.uk/urgentmentalhealth.

frequently asked questions

What happens after a referral to the service?

After someone has referred themselves to NHS Talking Therapies, or has been referred by a GP, they will be offered an assessment over the phone with a practitioner. This assessment usually lasts about 30 minutes and explores the person’s current difficulties, what they need help with and what the NHS might be able to suggest as a helpful next step. This might be support from NHS Talking Therapies or help from the wider mental health system.

At the end of an appointment, individuals will be offered either a follow up telephone call or a letter to confirm their treatment plan. Waiting times for treatments will be explained at this point.

Do you need a mental health diagnosis to access NHS Talking Therapies?

No. Anyone can refer themselves based on their current difficulties, such as social anxiety, low mood, or symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder. However, if you or someone you know has an eating disorder (including anorexia and bulimia), bipolar disorder, personality disorder, drug and alcohol addiction or psychosis, they should contact their GP practice first.

Are services accessible for different languages or communication needs?

Yes. For those whose first language is not English, NHS Talking Therapies can be delivered through multi-lingual therapists or through confidential interpreters, including British Sign Language (BSL). Your GP can refer you or you can refer yourself at nhs.uk/talk.

Explore more support from band of builders

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Taking the first step could change everything.

Band of Builders and NHS Talking Therapies logos promoting free, confidential support for the construction community