How’s the Head? Building Better Mental Health in the Trades

Working in the trades here in Northern Ireland can be incredibly rewarding. You get to be your own boss, work at your own pace, and enjoy a level of flexibility that a standard 9-to-5 just can't offer. But let's be honest—it can also be exceptionally tough. Long hours, the pressure to get jobs completed on time, and managing multiple responsibilities can take a real toll on your wellbeing.

That’s why MacBlair is proud to launch our new mental health campaign: ‘How’s the Head?’ We’ve teamed up with local comedian Dave Elliott and local charity Action Mental Health (AMH) to encourage tradespeople across the province to stay connected and make wellbeing part of the everyday conversation.

The Reality of Working Independently

Independence is a valued part of life in the trades. However, recent research commissioned by MacBlair reveals the flip side of that freedom: isolation.

Our findings show that almost half (48%) of Northern Irish tradespeople spend at least four hours of a typical working day entirely alone. When asked about the specific challenges of solo work, getting the balance right between work and personal life was cited by 46%, followed closely by the pressure to meet deadlines (42%).

Add in the fact that 62% find it difficult to make social plans because of their unpredictable work schedules, and it’s easy to see how the day-to-day grind can lead to feeling cut off.

The Power of a Quick Chat

The good news? The solution doesn't always have to be complicated. The research highlights just how vital everyday interactions are for tradespeople during busy weeks. A massive 92% of those surveyed agreed that just a quick chat with someone during the day has a positive impact on their mental wellbeing.

Whether it’s a phone call in the van between jobs (which 56% do at least once a day), checking social media, or spending time with family, these small moments of connection lift moods during long shifts.

“I’m genuinely excited to come on board as the ambassador for MacBlair’s ‘How’s the Head?’ campaign. It’s a brilliant activation with a simple message: staying in touch matters, and sometimes a quick chat can do more good than we realise.

The research really brings that home. Almost half of tradespeople spend at least four hours of their working day alone, yet 92% say a quick chat has a positive impact on their wellbeing. A phone call between jobs, a bit of banter on site or checking in with a mate can completely change the mood of the day. Looking after your mental health does not always have to feel like a massive undertaking.”
— Dave Elliott, Comedian & Campaign Ambassador

Changing Attitudes in the Trade

Historically, the construction and trade industries haven't always been the easiest places to talk about feelings. But the tide is turning.

Encouragingly, 70% of tradespeople now believe the industry is becoming more open about wellbeing and mental health, and 64% feel comfortable talking openly about their own struggles.

Alan Wright, Managing Director at MacBlair, notes the importance of keeping this momentum going:

“At MacBlair, we work closely with tradespeople across Northern Ireland every day, so we understand that working independently can be both rewarding and demanding. ‘How’s the Head?’ is about helping to make wellbeing part of the everyday conversation and creating a culture where people feel comfortable speaking openly when they need support... The stats show that there is still more to do, but that shift shows real progress.”