Health & Safety Stand Down at Great Portland Street: Prioritising Wellbeing On and Off Site

At Virtus Contracts, we believe health and safety goes beyond helmets and hi-vis – it’s also about protecting the wellbeing of the people who make our projects possible.

Last week, our site team took part in a Health & Safety Stand Down event designed to pause operations, reflect, and focus on both physical and mental health.

Starting with Physical Health

The day began with on-site health checks, giving our team the opportunity to take stock of their physical wellbeing. This was followed by a series of impactful presentations.

First, we heard from Charlie from Havio, our external health and safety partners, who shared insights on maintaining safe working environments and the importance of embedding best practices on site.

Mental Health Matters

We were then joined virtually by Ray from Lighthouse Charity, who bravely shared his personal journey. With a background in construction, Ray spoke openly about the challenges he faced, including alcoholism, depression, and a point in his life where he nearly took his own life. His story was deeply moving, but also one of hope—showing how reaching out for help and the support of Lighthouse helped him rebuild his life.

Ray’s message was clear:

it’s okay to talk, it’s okay to ask for help, and no one in our industry should struggle in silence.

Why These Conversations Are Crucial

Sadly, the statistics highlight just how important these conversations are. Research by On The Tools, the UK’s largest community of tradespeople, found that 73% of the country’s 2.1 million construction workers have been affected by mental illness. Even more stark is the fact that in the last decade, 7,000 construction workers have taken their own lives. These figures underline the urgent need for industry-wide change and for initiatives that place mental health at the forefront of safety.

Creating Safe Spaces

Events like our Stand Down remind us of the importance of creating safe spaces for honest conversations about wellbeing in construction. The pressures of the industry can be immense, and too often, struggles go unseen. That’s why charities like Lighthouse are invaluable – offering free, confidential support to construction workers and their families when they need it most.

Reflections from Our Team

Our Contracts Director, Joel Rogers, explains:

At Virtus, we’re committed to fostering a culture where wellbeing comes first – whether that means stopping to have a conversation, reaching out for support, or making sure our teams know they’re never alone.

If you or someone you know in the industry is struggling, Lighthouse offers a free and confidential helpline available 24/7. Find out more at lighthousecharity.org.