Time to Talk Day is today, 5 February 2026, and it’s the UK’s biggest national mental health awareness day encouraging open, honest conversations about mental wellbeing.
In our industry, we’re experts at solving plumbing and heating problems. But when it comes to talking about how we’re feeling, many of us find that much harder. That’s exactly why Time to Talk Day matters to plumbers and heating engineers.
Time to Talk Day is an annual initiative led by mental health charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, to get people talking about mental health. It’s about breaking down stigma, normalising conversations and creating supportive environments where people feel comfortable sharing what’s going on for them.
Being a plumber or heating engineer often means:
- Working long, irregular hours
- Spending time alone on jobsites
- Managing demanding clients and tight deadlines
- Carrying physical and mental stress day-to-day
These factors can make it harder to check in with how you’re doing emotionally, or to spot when a mate or colleague might need support. People in hands-on trades are often great at “getting the job done,” but less practiced at opening up about stress, anxiety or personal challenges.
Here are some ways installer teams and employers can get involved:
- Check in with your team or crew
A quick conversation at the start of a job or over lunch can make a difference. Ask open-ended questions like “How are you doing today?” or “Is anything on your mind?” and really listen.
- Encourage peer support
Create an environment where it’s OK to talk, not just about boilers, but how someone’s managing outside of work too.
- Use breaks wisely
Toolbox talks are great for safety but consider dedicating a few minutes on Time to Talk Day to talk about wellbeing too, normalising it as part of your work culture.
- Share resources
Mind and Time to Talk Day provide resources that can be useful for workplaces and teams wanting to start conversations and reduce stigma.
Talking Isn’t About Fixing, It’s About Listening
One of the most important lessons of Time to Talk Day is that you don’t have to have all the answers to be supportive. Sometimes just being present and listening without judgement can make a huge difference to someone who’s struggling.
Whether you’re an employer, a team leader or a self-employed engineer, use Time to Talk Day to check in with your colleagues or your trade friends. A simple conversation could be the difference someone needs.
For everyone working in the plumbing, heating and broader construction trades, there are free, dedicated resources available around the clock through Lighthouse Charity. They offer 24/7 confidential emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support via its helpline, live web chat, text services and self-support app — all designed specifically for people in the construction community and their families.
You can call 0345 605 1956 (UK) or 1800 939 122 (ROI), text HARDHAT to 85258 (UK) or 50808 (ROI), or start a web chat on their site to get help or find out more about training and local support groups.