Today marks the start of Quality Plumber Week 2019, which this year aims to raise awareness of what poor mental health is, and the effects it can have.
The mental health of plumbing and heating contractors is an important matter as one in six UK workers struggle with mental health problems which equates to around 350,000 construction workers, and suicide is the leading cause of death among males aged 15 to 49.
The Samaritans are officially supporting the week with their Real People, Real Stories campaign which shares real stories from men who have overcome tough times. APHC, who runs the Quality Plumber Week campaign, has also interviewed Lee Woodgate a 33 year old self-employed Plumbing & Heating Engineer who gave an open and honest account of his experience of dealing with mental health issues. Lee is also a co-founder of MENtalk which has a Facebook Group where men can express how they’re feeling and seek help from other group members who are experiencing similar issues with their mental wellbeing.
Plumber and friend of Ideal Standard, Lauren Winter will also be sharing her own experience and providing advice via a blog post.
Throughout this week, APHC will be using social media to raise awareness of what the signs of poor mental health are and to direct plumbers to where they can obtain advice and information. APHC will be using the hashtag #QPW19 on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Speaking about this year’s theme, John Thompson APHC CEO said: “The plumbing and heating industry is predominately made up of sole traders for whom the challenges around mental wellbeing can be more significant as they face a wealth of pressure throughout the working day, which for many, continues into the evening as this is the only time they have to deal with the administration aspect of running a company. Dealing with these work pressures inevitably means their work-life balance isn’t always in check which then becomes an additional pressure.
“Quality Plumber Week 2019 therefore aims to assist in raising awareness of the need for plumbing and heating contractors to place a focus on their own mental health and wellbeing. We are working with the Samaritans to be able to provide practical information and advice on spotting issues associated with mental health and wellbeing. We will also be advising on where to go to gain support.”
APHC would like installers and manufacturers to get involved with Quality Plumber Week by joining the conversation at #QPW19 on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn and by using the QPW19 logo as their social media profile image. The log can be downloaded from www.QualityPlumberWeek.co.uk.
APHC will also be hosting a Twitter conversation on World Mental Health Day on Thursday 10 October 2019 using #QPW19 to encourage plumbers to ask questions and gain live advice.
If you’re feeling down you can call Samaritans 24/7 on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
