Port Talbot Charity Football Match Aims to Tackle Trades Mental Health Crisis

• Nearly seven in ten (69%) tradespeople say they experience mental health issues

• Trade Direct Insurance are launching a new mental health and wellbeing support service, accessible to policy holders

• The firm has partnered with Tradie Events to sponsor  a charity football match in Port Talbot, Wales, Sunday 22nd March

A new mental health and wellbeing service aiming to tackle the mental health crisis affecting tradespeople, has been launched by Trade Direct Insurance. 

It comes amid an ongoing mental health epidemic amongst tradespeople, with new research from Trade Direct revealing that nearly seven in ten (69%) tradies are experiencing mental health problems related to their work and personal life1. Over a third (34%) of those affected stated that their mental health problems were at least partially caused by their work. 

To help tradies take positive steps to address their mental health, new and existing policy holders of a Zurich Tradesman Policy with Trade Direct Insurance, will now be able to access Zurich Support Services for no additional cost. This extensive service offers numerous benefits, including mental health support, professional counselling services, legal and financial guidance. It also offers work-life balance support, such as support with childcare, elder care and daily living help.

One of the leading benefits is the mental health counselling, which includes five confidential sessions with a qualified counsellor per year, as well as assistance with referral for further support. 24/7 emotional support is also available, for issues related to stress, anxiety, depression, bereavement and more. 

As part of their wider efforts to boost awareness of the mental health crisis affecting tradespeople, Trade Direct Insurance are supporting Tradie Events, a South Wales based charity, who run a series of charity football matches for tradespeople.

The next event, taking place in Port Talbot on Sunday 22nd March, will be attended by former professional footballer, Lee Trundle, as well as tradie influencers including The Welsh Erection Boys, Benchin Bricky and Ry O’Sullivan.

Patricia Gardiner, sales and marketing director at Trade Direct Insurance, says: “Tradespeople often carry enormous responsibility managing customers, materials, cash flow and tight deadlines whilst also dealing with the physical demands of the work. When you layer financial uncertainty and tool theft risks on top, the pressure can become too much to bear. That’s why it’s vital that tradespeople receive as much support as possible. 

“What’s particularly concerning is how normalised this pressure has become. Many tradies simply push through stress because they feel they have to, but sustained pressure without support can have long-term consequences. We’re proud to offer tradespeople access to the one of the most comprehensive support services available, helping them to manage all of life's challenges, whether it’s related to their work, personal life, or any other challenges that life may throw at them.”

Clair Evans, Executive Director at Tradie Events, says: “This match is about more than just the game, it’s about celebrating the trades, bringing the community together, and shining a light on mental health in an industry where stress and pressure are often normalised. We’ve been overwhelmed by the engagement and support so far, with over £10,000 raised to date. 

“Events like this are central to our ethos at Tradie Events, creating spaces where people can connect, enjoy themselves, and raise awareness for issues that often go unspoken. It’s fantastic to see local tradespeople, families, and supporters coming together for such a positive cause, and we hope this match inspires even more conversation and support around wellbeing in the trades.”

For more information about Trade Direct Insurance and their mental health support services, visit: https://www.tradedirectinsurance.co.uk/mental-health-wellbeing-support/ 

Source : Trade Direct Insurance and Tradie Events

Image : Rawf8 / iStockphoto / 959567904

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