Rugby players tackling mental health in construction

Two rugby players are working to tackle the issue around mental health in the construction industry.

Jake Caulfield, who used to play professionally for Bath, runs a construction company with his brother Josh, who currently plays for Bristol Bears.

After learning that construction workers are three times more likely to die by suicide than the national average, they launched their own initiative to make a change.

"It's not right and it needs to be challenged," said Jake, who has been open about his struggles with mental health.

"In 2021, I tried to take my life on three occasions. I'm lucky enough that I'm still here today," he told the BBC.

"I've got a fantastic wife and a fantastic little boy and I'm so grateful to be here because I would have missed all of that."

Within their business, Evolution Developments South West, Jake and Josh aim to change the norm in the industry.

"When I openly came out about my depression and anxiety, everyone was shocked," said Jake.

He said said this was due to a "perceived culture of toughness."

"I'm big, I'm bold, I've got my tattoos," he explained.

If you've been affected by the issues in this story, help and support is available via the BBC Action Line.

Jake and Josh aim to change industry norms through their business.

They want to challenge MPs, the government and other local businesses to raise awareness about mental health within the industry.

"We create a culture within our company to basically put our employees first," he explained.

The business have linked up with men's mental health charity Talk Club who have provide generic drop-in chats and sign-posting.

The company is also looking to provide counselling.

"We're trying to make a real change here for construction workers in our industry," said Jake.

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