Local Heroes and Mental Health UK are teaming up
For the entire month surrounding Mental Health Awareness Week (18th to 24th of May), we’re donating 10% of our booked job costs to Mental Health UK.
Mental Health Awareness Week is coming up and with the current Coronavirus crisis, it’s more important than ever that we use this opportunity to raise mental health awareness and check in on our tradespeople here in the UK.
To do this, we’ve teamed up with Mental Health UK and we’re donating 10% of every job completed by our Local Heroes when customers use the code MENTALHEALTHUK.
“We are delighted to be working with Local Heroes to ensure all tradespeople, and their families can improve their understanding of mental health“
Sarah Murphy, Associate Director for Advice, Information, and Training at Mental Health UK
“Attitudes towards mental health have changed over the past few years but unfortunately the pandemic has proved there's still much work to do. We're proud to work with Mental Health UK to further that conversation and provide any help we can to anyone who is struggling during this particularly difficult time." Camilla Benitz, Head of Local Heroes.
We’re still tackling essential jobs with strict social distancing rules in place, so if you or anyone you know needs some urgent repair or fitting done, why not call a Local Hero and help fund a great cause?
Supporting tradespeople at a tricky time
Like all sole traders and small businesses who rely on visiting people’s homes, Coronavirus is having a big impact on tradespeople, including our Local Heroes.
“We're proud to work with Mental Health UK to further that conversation and provide any help we can to anyone who is struggling during this particularly difficult time“
Camilla Benitz, Head of Local Heroes
In fact, a mental health study we’ve just completed as part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2020, showed 60% of tradespeople feel Coronavirus has had a negative impact on their mental health (see the full mental health study).
It makes the work of organisations like Mental Health UK more important than ever.
As many as 60% of tradespeople have had their mental health impacted by the pandemic
“The findings from the Local Heroes survey, that the mental health of up to 60% of tradespeople has been negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, is both worrying but unfortunately not surprising", says Sarah Murphy, Associate Director for Advice, Information, and Training at Mental Health UK.
“At this unprecedented time, concerns about your own health, and that of your families are bound to be causing stress, and this is exacerbated by loss of income also causing money worries.
“The findings from the Local Heroes survey, that the mental health of up to 60% of tradespeople has been negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, is both worrying but unfortunately not surprising"
Sarah Murphy, Associate Director for Advice, Information, and Training at Mental Health UK
“That is why we are delighted to be working with Local Heroes to ensure all tradespeople, and their families can improve their understanding of mental health, know how to spot the signs within themselves, their colleagues and family members, and, importantly, to know where to see help and support, both for their mental and financial health.”
Where to find help and support
During a time of lockdown, it’s important to maintain healthy habits to look after your mental health, as part of the survey we conducted, we found many tradespeople are using different tactics to help including:
- Listening to music (54%)
- Exercising at home (46%)
- Gardening and DIY (42% and 40%)
While hobbies can help with relaxing and coping during stressful times, maintaining schedules and regular habits both at work and at home can be incredibly helpful, including:
Work
- Keep as close to your regular schedule as possible, waking up early and showering
- Set your working hours and stick to them
- Take regular breaks away from screens and phones
- Drink plenty of water
Home
- Ensure you get a good night’s sleep, turn off TV and lights etc.
- Avoid drinking more alcohol than usual
- Resist the temptation to snack, especially on sugary foods
- Consider a new hobby or skill
Above all, make time to keep in touch with friends or family.
For more info and how to find mental health care, visit Mental Health UK.
