Port Talbot event will raise awareness and funds as new support service launches for tradies
A CHARITY football match in south Wales is set to highlight the growing mental health crisis among tradespeople, with organisers hoping the event will spark conversation and support within the industry.
The match, taking place in Port Talbot on Sunday, March 22, is being supported by Trade Direct Insurance in partnership with Tradie Events, a South Wales-based charity that organises community events for people working in the trades.
The initiative comes as new research from Trade Direct Insurance reveals that nearly seven in ten tradespeople – 69 per cent – say they experience mental health problems linked to work or personal pressures. More than a third (34 per cent) said their issues were at least partly caused by their job.
To help address the problem, Trade Direct Insurance has launched a new mental health and wellbeing support service for policyholders. Those with a Zurich Insurance Group tradesman policy through the firm will now have access to Zurich Support Services at no extra cost.
The service offers a wide range of help, including professional counselling, legal and financial guidance, and support for work-life balance issues such as childcare, elder care and everyday living assistance.
A key element of the service is access to mental health counselling, which includes up to five confidential sessions with a qualified counsellor each year. A 24-hour emotional support line is also available to help with issues including stress, anxiety, depression and bereavement.
As part of efforts to raise awareness, the Port Talbot charity match will bring together tradespeople, supporters and several well-known guests. Former professional footballer Lee Trundle is expected to attend, alongside social media personalities from the trade community including The Welsh Erection Boys, Benchin Bricky and Ry O’Sullivan.
Patricia Gardiner, sales and marketing director at Trade Direct Insurance, said tradespeople often face significant pressures both on and off the job.
“Tradespeople often carry enormous responsibility managing customers, materials, cash flow and tight deadlines while also dealing with the physical demands of the work,” she said.
“When you add financial uncertainty and risks such as tool theft, the pressure can become overwhelming. 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.”
Clair Evans, executive director of Tradie Events, said the match is about more than just football.
“This match is 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,” she said.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the engagement and support so far, with more than £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.”
Organisers hope the event will encourage more conversations about wellbeing within the trades while raising further funds for mental health support initiatives.
