Supporting men in trades: A conversation that matters at Howdens Biggleswade
On Tuesday 9 September 2025, Howdens Biggleswade will celebrate their branch birthday with a very special guest—Luke Newman, founder of ‘For Men To Talk’. From 9am to 3pm, customers will have the chance to meet Luke, talk with him, and learn more about the work he’s doing to support men’s mental health, especially in the trades and construction industries.
Howdens Joinery is known for supplying kitchens and joinery products across the UK. They mainly serve trade professionals like builders, carpenters, and contractors. But while these men build and repair homes and businesses, many of them are quietly struggling with something much deeper—mental health challenges.
Men who work in construction are three times more likely to die by suicide than the average man in the UK. That’s a heartbreaking number—around 34 men out of every 100,000 in construction lose their lives this way, compared to just 10 in the general male population.
Life in the trades can be rewarding, but it’s not easy. Financial pressure is a big part of the problem. When the economy slows down, construction jobs are often the first to be cut. Homeowners and businesses put off projects. Builders and tradesmen might go weeks or even months without regular work. At the same time, the cost of tools and materials keeps going up, and many contractors are still paying off loans for equipment or vehicles. Bills keep coming, even when the work doesn’t.
But it’s not just money that weighs heavy—it’s identity. Many men in the trades see their job as part of who they are. When that job is taken away or becomes uncertain, it can leave them feeling lost, anxious, and ashamed. There’s also a culture of silence in these industries. Talking about feelings, stress, or sadness might seem like weakness. That silence can be dangerous.
Isolation is another challenge. Many tradesmen work alone or in small teams. When work disappears, so does social contact. That loneliness can make mental health struggles even worse. And sadly, some men turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope, which can lead to even more problems.
Luke Newman, who founded ‘For Men To Talk’, understands how important open conversation can be. His group gives men a safe place to talk, share, and support each other.
“Men need to know it’s OK to speak up,” says Luke. “You’re not weak for struggling. You’re strong for facing it.”
Depot Manager Amy Smart and the Howdens Biggleswade team are proud to bring Luke in as part of their celebration. It’s more than just a birthday—it’s a chance to shine a light on an issue that affects so many.
If you’re a customer or just someone in the trade who needs someone to talk to, stop by on 9 September. A simple conversation could make a big difference.