Mental health is an ongoing issue in the trades industry. With the stigma and closed-off attitude toward finding help, it can be hard to give a hand to those who need it or even to find personal support. 

For Mental Health Awareness week, Rob talks us through his own struggles with mental health and offers advice to anyone who wants to fight against mental illness and the stigma surrounding it.  

If you or someone you know is in need of help, contact a helpline:  

UK (Samaritans) - 116 123 

AU (Lifeline) - 13 11 14 

NZ (Lifeline) - 0800 543 354  

The Lighthouse Club, who runs the UK construction industry helpline, can be contacted on:   

Phone: 0345 605 1956 

SMS: Text HARDHAT to 85258 

Or, visit: lighthouseclub.org  

They are there 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  

Behind the Tools is an inside look at tradespeople from all over the world. Each episode we bring on a guest to answer the real questions you have about life in the trades, running a business, and how to overcome the challenges that come with being a tradesperson.  If you're keen to be a guest, send an email to [email protected].