Bradfords Building Supplies is encouraging its colleagues and customers to take the opportunity to chat about mental health as part of a national campaign launching on World Mental Health Day (10 October).

The Big Mental Health Get Together initiative has been organised by Mental Health UK – Bradfords’ official charity partner – and aims to give people the opportunity to get together to talk about any mental health problems they may have, or simply have the chance to enjoy connecting with others.

Throughout the week from 11-15 October, teams across Bradfords’ branches will be encouraged to have a reflective check-in with each other and with their customers, while raising money for Mental Health UK.

“The importance of talking to each other is truer today than ever, especially as we up the measures in our business once again to try to prevent the rise in Covid cases,” said Bradfords’ CEO, David Young.

“The past 18 months have been mentally challenging for so many, so the prompt to get together and simply ‘offload’ couldn’t come at a better time.”

“A big part of our partnership with Mental Health UK is to help change the construction industry’s perception of mental health and provide people with the confidence to have open conversations about mental wellbeing and The Big Mental Health Get Together is an opportunity to do just that.”

Bradfords’ ongoing initiatives to support the mental health of colleagues and customers includes the availability of mental health first aiders across the business and its mental health awareness training programme for managers.

“We’re delighted that Bradfords will be taking part in our Big Mental Health Get Together campaign, which launches on World Mental Health Day on 10 October,” said Katie Legg, Director of Strategy & Partnerships at Mental Health UK.

“Whether it’s a coffee and cake break with colleagues, a picnic in the park or a video call with friends, organising a get together gives people the space and time to talk about their mental health in a safe and non-judgmental environment. Raising money in the process will help us to empower people to better understand and manage their mental health.”

Mental Health UK supports people affected by mental health problems across the UK. For more information about The Big Mental Health Get Together, visit: https://mentalhealth-uk.org/get-involved/events/the-big-mental-health-get-together/