This week marks Men’s Health Week (9–15 June 2025), a pivotal time to spotlight the health challenges men face, particularly in the construction industry. At The Good Builder, we recognise the immense pressures builders and tradespeople endure, tight deadlines, physical strain, financial stress, and the emotional toll of the job. These factors contribute to alarming statistics: men in construction are at a higher risk for mental health issues and suicide.
Understanding these challenges, we’re committed to fostering a supportive environment where mental well-being is prioritized. Here’s how we’re taking action:
How You Can Get Involved with The Good Builder to Support Men’s Mental Health
We believe in building not just structures, but also strong, supportive communities. Here’s how you can join us in this mission:
- Attend Our Events: Participate in our upcoming TGB Fridays gatherings to connect with peers and engage in meaningful conversations.
- Share Your Story: Open up about your experiences to inspire and support others in the industry.
- Support Our Initiatives: Contribute to our fundraising efforts, like the Gold Coast Titans jersey giveaway, to support organizations like TIACS.
- Spread Awareness: Use your platform to highlight the importance of mental health in construction.
TGB Fridays: Building Connections Beyond the Job Site
Last Friday, we hosted our inaugural TGB Fridays event at the Banana Bender Pub. The turnout was incredible, with builders, tradespeople, and suppliers coming together to unwind and discuss the realities of working in construction. The atmosphere was relaxed, yet the conversations were profound, highlighting the need for regular, informal gatherings where industry professionals can share and support one another.
Gold Coast Titans Jersey Giveaway: Supporting TIACS
In collaboration with the Lauxes Grates, we organized a jersey giveaway to raise funds for TIACS (The Home of Blue Collar Counselling), a free mental health support service tailored for the construction industry. The initiative not only raised essential funds but also sparked conversations about mental health, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and supporting peers.
You can get your tickets here and become a supporter!
Practical Steps for Builders to Protect Their Mental Health
While industry-wide initiatives are crucial, individual actions also make a significant impact. Here are some steps builders can take:
- Prioritise Rest: Ensure you get adequate sleep and take breaks during work to prevent burnout.
- Stay Active: Regular physical activity can alleviate stress and improve overall well-being.
- Connect with Peers: Engage in open conversations with colleagues about challenges and experiences.
- Seek Professional Help: Don’t hesitate to contact organizations like TIACS for support when needed.
- Educate Yourself: Participate in events like the AMHF’s Men’s Health Week chats to learn more about mental health topics relevant to men in construction.
By taking these steps and supporting initiatives like TGB Fridays and the TIACS fundraiser, we can collectively create a healthier, more supportive environment in the construction industry.
The Builders Showed Up…and the Conversations Were Better Than We Hoped
There’s a simple truth in our industry; it’s easy to talk about mental health, but it’s a lot harder to create the spaces where those conversations actually happen.
That’s why we started TGB Fridays, and why last Friday night’s very first event on the Sunshine Coast mattered more than we can easily put into words.
The idea was straightforward:
Bring together builders, trades, and industry professionals.
Take off the high-vis.
Put down the tools.
And open the door to real conversations, about business, about life, and about the challenges that too often go unspoken in construction.
And the industry showed up.
The pub was packed with builders and tradies from across the Coast.
We saw apprentices sharing stories with veterans.
We saw business owners swapping insights with each other, and making new connections that will carry forward.
And most importantly, we heard conversations that didn’t skirt around the hard stuff, conversations about stress, burnout, and how to keep this industry healthy from the inside out.
There’s no doubt this movement is needed.
And after seeing what happened Friday night, there’s no doubt it’s going to grow.
TGB Fridays will be back…and bigger.
We’ll be bringing these events to more cities, with the same simple goal:
Real connection. Real support. Real industry impact.
A huge thank you to every builder, trade and industry pro who came along — and to the sponsors who made this possible. These are the businesses standing up and backing a better industry:
This is just the beginning.
Watch this space — and when the next invite drops, make sure you’re part of it.
Because the conversations we had on Friday night?
They’re exactly what this industry needs more of.
— Aaron Ng
CEO, The Good Builder
0 Comments