By Chris Coetzee, OHSS Consulting
Mental health is no longer a conversation reserved for offices and clinics. It’s a reality that affects every industry, including the trades – where long hours, physical strain and high-pressure environments often leave little room for emotional wellbeing.
The Friends in Trades programme is more than an initiative, it’s a movement. It’s about creating a future where strong minds build strong futures. By breaking the stigma and fostering a culture of care, FIT is paving the way for healthier, happier tradespeople everywhere Supplied by IOPSA FIT
The Friends in Trades (FIT) programme is changing that narrative. Designed to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the trades, FIT is a movement that champions openness, resilience and support among tradespeople.
Why mental health matters in trades
Tradespeople are the backbone of our communities. They build homes, maintain infrastructure, and keep essential services running. Yet, behind the hard hats and tool belts, many face silent battles with stress, anxiety and depression. The culture of toughness in the trades often discourages vulnerability, making it harder for individuals to seek help.
FIT recognises this challenge and aims to create a culture where mental health is seen as strength, not weakness. Through practical initiatives and community-driven campaigns, FIT empowers tradespeople to speak up, support one another and access resources without fear of judgement.
The FIT approach: Seven pillars of change
The FIT programme is built on seven key strategies; each designed to tackle the stigma and promote mental well-being in a way that resonates with the tradespeople community
- Start with real stories
Nothing breaks the stigma like honesty. FIT begins by sharing authentic experiences from tradespeople who have faced mental health challenges. These stories, recorded and posted onto our podcast channel on Spotify show that mental health struggles are common and that seeking help is a sign of strength.
- Create a visible campaign
Visibility matters. FIT will use strong branding and visual messaging to keep mental health conversations alive in everyday work environments. Posters in break rooms, stickers on toolboxes and hard hats with the FIT logo will remind workers that mental health is part of the job.
- Host ‘Toolbox Talks’ on mental health
Education doesn’t have to be formal or intimidating. FIT introduces short, informal sessions, called Toolbox Talks. These 10- to 15-minute discussions cover topics like stress, burnout, substance use and how to ask for help.
- Partner with trade influencers Influencers aren’t just for fashion and tech, they exist in the trades too. FIT will collaborate with respected tradespeople on social media to amplify its message. Their endorsement makes mental health conversations relatable and credible.
- Launch a ‘Check on Your Friend’ challenge
Peer support is powerful. FIT encourages tradespeople to look out for one another through a social media challenge: Check on Your Friend. Participants post selfies with co-workers and share messages about mental health awareness.
- Offer anonymous support options
Not everyone is ready to speak up publicly. FIT provides anonymous WhatsApp chats via its support line, QR codes linking to confidential resources and private online peer groups. These options ensure that help is accessible without fear of judgement.
- Celebrate mental strength
FIT reframes mental health as a strength, not a weakness. By recognising resilience and advocacy, the programme celebrates those who champion mental wellness in the trade community.
The bigger picture: Changing culture, saving lives
The FIT programme isn’t just about posters and talks, it’s about saving lives. Suicide rates among tradespeople are alarmingly high compared to other categories. By creating a culture of openness and support, FIT aims to reduce these numbers and ensure that every tradesperson knows they are not alone.
Mental health is as critical as physical safety. Just as we wear protective gear to prevent injuries, we need tools and strategies to protect our minds. FIT provides those tools and reminds us that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but of courage.
How you can get involved
Whether you’re a tradesperson, employer or industry leader, you can play a role in breaking the stigma:
- Share your story or encourage others to share theirs
- Display FIT materials at your workplace
- Host a Toolbox Talk or invite a mental health professional
- Promote the Check on Your Friend challenge on social media
- Support anonymous resources and encourage their use
- Celebrate mental strength within your team
Together, we can build a trade community where mental health is prioritised, conversations are open, and support is always available.
