This Friday marks World Mental Health Day, a global event dedicated to raising awareness and driving positive change for mental wellbeing. At Consult Group, we believe this is the perfect moment to announce a significant step forward in our commitment to our people and our industry. We are proud to launch our new Mental Health in Construction initiative, a long-term programme designed to foster open dialogue, provide meaningful support, and champion lasting change.

This important initiative coincides with the arrival of a key new leader in our team. We are delighted to formally welcome Julia Anthony, who joined us in June as our new Head of HR. With a wealth of experience in championing wellbeing, inclusion, and culture across the construction sector, Julia is the ideal person to lead this charge. We are thrilled to have her on board as we take this next crucial step in building a healthier, more supportive industry for everyone.

Why Mental Health in Construction Demands Our Attention

The construction industry is one of the UK’s most vital sectors, responsible for building the world around us. However, it also faces unique and significant pressures that can take a heavy toll on the mental health of its workforce. Demanding deadlines, long hours, physically strenuous work, and a traditionally stoic culture have historically created an environment where discussing mental health has been difficult.

The statistics paint a stark picture. The industry has a higher rate of suicide than any other sector, and a significant percentage of its workforce experiences mental health issues like stress, anxiety, and depression each year. It is clear that we have a collective responsibility to change the conversation and challenge the stigma that has prevented so many from seeking the help they need.

At Consult Group, we recognise that our people are our most valuable asset. Creating an environment where they feel safe, supported, and psychologically secure is not just a moral obligation—it is a business imperative. A healthy team is a more engaged, productive, and collaborative team. This initiative is our commitment to moving beyond awareness and taking concrete action.

Introducing Our New Head of HR, Julia Anthony

We are thrilled to have Julia Anthony spearheading our people-first strategy. Julia joined Consult Group in June, bringing with her extensive experience from across the construction and built environment sectors. Her career has been dedicated to developing progressive HR strategies that place employee wellbeing and a positive culture at the heart of the business.

Julia’s deep understanding of the unique challenges within our industry makes her uniquely qualified to lead this new initiative. She has a proven track record of implementing successful wellbeing programmes, fostering inclusive environments, and driving cultural change. Her passion for creating workplaces where people can thrive is infectious, and she has already made a significant impact since joining our team.

On her appointment and the new initiative, Julia commented, “I am incredibly excited to join Consult Group at such a pivotal time. The company’s genuine commitment to its people is clear, and the launch of the Mental Health in Construction initiative is a powerful statement of intent. We have an opportunity to make a real difference, not just for our own teams at Consult Construct, Consult Sustain, and Consult LDN, but for the wider industry. Our goal is to create a culture where support is not silent and where every individual feels empowered to prioritise their mental health.”

The Goals of Our Mental Health in Construction Initiative

Our new initiative is not a one-off campaign but a long-term commitment to embedding mental health support into the fabric of our organisation and the industry. It is built on three core pillars:

1. Fostering Open Dialogue and Ending the Stigma
The first step towards change is creating a safe space for conversation. We will be actively working to normalise discussions around mental health through internal communications, workshops, and leadership training. Our aim is to break down the cultural barriers that have historically discouraged people, particularly men, from speaking openly about their struggles. By encouraging vulnerability and empathy, we can build a culture where asking for help is seen as a sign of strength.

2. Providing Accessible and Practical Support
Awareness alone is not enough. This initiative will focus on providing tangible resources and clear pathways to support for our team members. This will include:

• Enhanced Mental Health First Aid Training: Expanding our network of trained Mental Health First Aiders across all divisions, ensuring there is always a confidential point of contact available for anyone who needs it.
• Access to Professional Services: Strengthening our partnership with employee assistance programmes (EAPs) to provide free, confidential access to counselling and therapy services.
• Resource Hubs: Developing easily accessible online and offline resources that offer information on managing stress, building resilience, and recognising the signs of mental ill-health in oneself and others.

3. Driving Long-Term Cultural Change
True change requires a holistic approach. We will be reviewing our internal policies, management practices, and project workflows to identify and mitigate key stressors. This involves looking at everything from workload management and communication styles to promoting a healthier work-life balance. By embedding wellbeing considerations into our operational DNA, we aim to create a more sustainable and supportive working environment for the long term. We will also be collaborating with industry partners, such as Mates in Mind, to share best practices and champion change on a broader scale.

What This Means for Our Team and Our Clients

For our team, this initiative is a promise that your wellbeing is our priority. It is a commitment to providing you with the support, resources, and culture you need to thrive both personally and professionally. We want every member of Consult Group to feel seen, heard, and valued.

For our clients and partners, this initiative is a reflection of who we are as a business. It demonstrates our commitment to responsible and ethical practice. A company that invests in the health of its people is one that is building a resilient, stable, and high-performing team. This translates into stronger partnerships, more effective collaboration, and a higher quality of service on your projects.

Join Us on This Journey

The launch of our Mental Health in Construction initiative this World Mental Health Day is just the beginning. We are at the start of a journey to create a healthier, more supportive future for our industry. It is a journey that will require commitment, collaboration, and courage from all of us.

We are incredibly optimistic about the positive impact we can make, and we are proud to be taking this important step forward. We invite you to follow our progress as this initiative gathers momentum and to join the conversation as we work to end the stigma and champion mental wellbeing for all.