Community in Scaffolding Starts with Us - Mental Health Awareness Week

May 14, 2025

National Scaffolding Week is proud to support Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, taking place from 12–18 May, led by the Mental Health Foundation — the UK’s leading charity for mental health.

This year’s theme, “Community”, highlights something we know well in scaffolding: the power of connection, belonging, and everyday support. Whether you’re working at height, on the ground, or behind the scenes, community is what keeps our industry strong — and it’s what can help keep us mentally well too.

Why Community Matters in Scaffolding

Scaffolding is a team effort. From the early starts and long days, to the careful planning and physical demands of the job — no one does it alone. That sense of teamwork and trust is more than just good practice — it’s a lifeline.

Scaffolding is built on teamwork. From the early starts and long days, to the careful planning and physical demands of the job — no one works in isolation.

Checking in with a colleague, taking breaks together, or making time to talk when someone’s struggling, can make a real difference.

Mental Health Is Everyone’s Business

We echo the words of Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association, who said:

“Mental Health Awareness Week reminds us that community is not just a word — it’s something we create through the way we treat each other, look out for one another, and make space to talk.”

His message is a timely one.

Mental health isn’t a side issue — it belongs on every toolbox talk, every company agenda, and every scaffolding site across the UK.

Where to Get Support

National Scaffolding Week proudly supports the work of these incredible organisations making a difference in our industry:

Mates in Mind – Mental health education and support tailored to construction.

Lighthouse Club – Financial, emotional and wellbeing help for construction workers and their families.

Construction Sport – Using sport to create space for mental health conversations and connection.

Working Minds Campaign (HSE) – Tools and resources to help employers tackle work-related stress.

ManKind CIC – Peer support, mentoring and wellbeing programmes for tradespeople.

Be Part of the Change

Whether you’re an apprentice or a company director, you have a role to play in building a healthier, more connected scaffold community.

During Mental Health Awareness Week, we encourage everyone across the industry to:

Start a conversation about mental health
Share resources on site
Recognise when someone might need support — and reach out

Because in scaffolding, we don’t just build structures. We build people up too.

Find more Mental Health Awareness Week resources here:
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week

Mates in Mind – www.matesinmind.org

Lighthouse Club – www.lighthouseclub.org

Construction Sport – www.constructionsport.com

Working Minds Campaign (HSE) – https://workright.campaign.gov.uk/campaigns/working-minds

ManKind CIC – www.mankindcic.co.uk

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