Men’s Mental Health Week (9-15 June) emphasises the mental health challenges facing men across all industries. Sarah Butcher, Commercial Manager at Welfare Hire Nationwide, explains how quality welfare facilities can help break down barriers and provide vital support for male workers in the rail and construction sectors.
Mental health is a silent crisis in many workplaces. Men account for three-quarters of all suicides in the UK, with suicide being the leading cause of death for men under 50. In construction alone, male workers are three times more likely to take their own lives compared to the national average. Such a devastating statistic demands urgent action.
The silent crisis in rail and construction
Men’s Mental Health Week couldn’t be more relevant to our industry. The rail and construction sectors are overwhelmingly male-dominated, with traditional cultures that have historically discouraged emotional openness. The phrase “man up” has been weaponised for far too long, creating environments where vulnerability is seen as weakness.
Add to this the unique pressures of rail work: long hours, physical demands, remote locations, and the constant responsibility for public safety, and it’s clear why mental health struggles are so prevalent. A 2019 RSSB report found that 43% of rail workers experienced a mental health issue in the past year, significantly higher than the national average.
Breaking down the barriers
Recognising mental health issues in the workplace is just the beginning. To affect change, we must create environments where men feel safe to speak up. Traditional masculine ideals often prevent men from seeking help or admitting they’re struggling. They’re more likely to mask their problems through alcohol, overwork, or masking their emotions, rather than reaching out for support.
This is where quality welfare facilities become crucial. Not merely places to grab a brew or use the loo, they can be potential lifelines that can make the difference between isolation and connection, suffering in silence and speaking up.
Creating safe spaces for conversation
Welfare Hire Nationwide’s ECOXi welfare unit exemplifies this approach. With space for up to 10 people, it’s designed to foster the kind of informal interactions that can save lives. When staff have a comfortable, welcoming space to decompress together, conversations naturally happen. These spaces can provide a sanctuary for colleagues to check in on each other and spot the warning signs.
The separate canteen, office, and drying room areas mean workers can find privacy when needed or come together as a team. It’s all about choice; something that’s often missing from men’s mental health conversations.
The power of comfort and dignity
There’s something powerful about providing high-quality facilities that show workers they’re valued. Our ECOWC2, with its two separate water-flush WCs and hot water washbasins, sends a clear message: your wellbeing matters. When you treat people with dignity, it impacts how they see themselves.
The silent, solar-powered operation means workers can actually have conversations without worrying about generator noise. That peace and quiet creates space for the kind of meaningful exchanges that traditional welfare facilities simply can’t support.
Building connections through shared spaces
Isolation is a silent killer. Men are particularly susceptible to loneliness, often having smaller social networks than women. Quality welfare facilities become community hubs where relationships form naturally. Whether it’s sharing stories over lunch or simply having someone to sit with during a difficult day, these connections matter.
Our ECO14 mobile welfare unit provides that essential gathering space where workplace relationships can flourish. When you’re dealing with the pressures of rail work, having colleagues who understand what you’re going through is essential.
Supporting the whole person
Mental health isn’t separate from physical health or workplace safety. When men are struggling mentally, they’re more likely to have accidents, make poor decisions, or turn to harmful coping mechanisms. Quality welfare facilities support holistic wellbeing; providing clean, comfortable spaces that promote both physical and mental wellbeing.
Our smart lighting solutions also play a role here. Proper illumination during those long winter months isn’t just about site visibility, it impacts mood and mental state. The X-Eco HYBRID LITHIUM towers provide consistent, quiet lighting that supports both safety and wellbeing throughout the darker months.
Making it easier to ask for help: creating a ripple effect
One of the biggest barriers to men seeking mental health support is simply not knowing where to start. Welfare facilities can be equipped with resources, helpline numbers, and information about mental health services. More importantly, they provide private spaces where someone might finally make that crucial phone call or have that difficult conversation.
When we get this right, the benefits extend far beyond individual wellbeing. Teams work better together, safety incidents decrease, and project delivery improves. Men who feel supported are more likely to support others, creating positive cycles that transform workplace culture.
A call to action
This Men’s Mental Health Week, every rail contractor, project manager and site supervisor has the power to make a difference. It starts with recognising that welfare facilities are opportunities to show your workforce that their mental health matters.
The conversation about men’s mental health in rail is only just beginning, but it’s one we must have. Too many good men have been lost to suicide, too many families destroyed by preventable tragedies. While quality welfare facilities won’t solve everything, they’re a crucial part of creating workplaces where men feel valued, supported, and able to speak up when they’re struggling.
Because ultimately, the strongest thing anyone can do is admit when they need help. Our job is to make sure they have somewhere safe to do it.
For mental health support, contact Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7) or visit samaritans.org. The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) offers support specifically for men at thecalmzone.net or 0800 58 58 58 (5pm-midnight daily).
