Tradespeople face unique physical and mental challenges, from demanding work conditions to lingering stigma around asking for help. Long hours, injuries, and high-pressure environments can take a toll on both body and mind. Peer-to-peer support programs bring workers together to share real experiences and offer understanding that only someone in the same trade can provide. Little by little, they’re helping change how people talk about mental health at work and creating workplaces where everyone feels supported.
Quick look
- Peer-to-peer mental health support connects tradespeople with others who understand their unique challenges, making it easier to talk about stress, recovery, and emotional well-being without judgment.
- Programs like LEAN-STL, MATES in Construction, and The FORGE demonstrate how peer-led initiatives foster trust, reduce isolation, and improve mental health across the trades.
- Whether on job sites, in union halls, or online, peer programs provide flexible, relatable support that fits the fast-paced, high-pressure world of construction.
- Peer support strengthens job site safety, promotes belonging, and helps shift the trades toward a more compassionate work culture.
What are peer-to-peer support programs?
Peer-to-peer support programs are built on a simple idea: people who share similar experiences can help each other in ways that professionals sometimes can’t. These programs connect workers who have faced mental health challenges, substance use, or tough job situations so they can offer understanding, encouragement, and guidance to others going through the same thing.
Peer programs matter in the trades because they reach workers where they already are—on the job site, at the union hall, or online after a long shift. Peers can be mentors, advocates, or simply coworkers who take the time to listen without judgment. Some programs are formal, with training and structure, while others grow naturally from within teams that value looking out for one another.
Many peer supporters receive training to recognize signs of distress and connect colleagues to help before a crisis happens. They learn how to start conversations about mental health, provide emotional support, and share tools or resources that promote recovery. This kind of approach helps build a culture of openness, where workers feel safe talking about what they’re facing.
In blue-collar industries, peer-to-peer models have taken many forms. Some programs pair workers in recovery with others seeking support, while others train forepersons or safety leads to act as mental health champions. A few combine workshops, peer training, and outreach to make mental wellness part of everyday safety practices.
These mental health programs show that help doesn’t always need to come from outside the trade. Sometimes, it starts with a conversation between two workers who understand what it’s really like.
Why tradespeople need peer-to-peer support
Working in the trades can take a serious toll on both the body and mind. Long hours, heavy physical labor, and the constant risk of injury make it hard for workers to stay healthy, especially when rest and recovery aren’t always an option. Add in job insecurity, seasonal layoffs, and pressure to meet deadlines, and it’s easy to see why many tradespeople struggle with stress, anxiety, or burnout.
For some, substance use has become a way to cope. The construction industry has one of the highest rates of substance use among all occupations, and many workers feel they have nowhere to turn for help.
There’s also the issue of stigma. Many workers, especially men, ignore their mental health and feel uncomfortable admitting when something is wrong. The culture of “toughing it out” often keeps people silent even when they are struggling, and prevents workers from getting the support they need when mental health symptoms arise.
That is where peer-to-peer programs make a real difference. Sometimes the best way to start getting help is by talking to someone who’s been through it too. A trained peer can listen, share their own experience, and point a coworker toward extra support if it’s needed. Programs like these help close the gap between formal mental health services and the day-to-day realities of life on site.
When workers understand that stress, depression, or substance use are not signs of weakness, they are more likely to seek help early. Peer programs help bring that awareness directly to the job site, making mental health a normal part of everyday safety.
Examples of successful peer-to-peer programs in the trades
LEAN-STL (St. Louis Laborers’ Emotional Assistance Network)
The Laborers’ Emotional Assistance Network, or LEAN-STL, was created by the Laborers’ Union in St. Louis to support the mental health and overall well-being of its members. The program began after leaders recognized that many workers were struggling with depression, anxiety, and substance use but didn’t know where to turn for help.
LEAN-STL helps union members notice when a coworker might be having a hard time and shows them how to reach out in a caring way. Through the program, members learn how to talk openly about mental health, share information about available resources, and connect people with professional help when needed. The focus is on paying attention early, listening with understanding, and building trust within the crew.
Since the program began, St. Louis laborers have built a stronger sense of community. More people are talking openly about their challenges, asking for help, and checking in on one another. Supervisors and crews are also realizing that mental health is just as important as physical safety. As awareness grows, stigma continues to shrink, and the job site feels like a safer, more connected place to work.
Contact:
- Website: stllaborers.com/lean-stl
- Confidential Helpline: 1-844-691-5326 (available 24/7)
- Support: Confidential help for LiUNA members and families dealing with mental health concerns, substance use, or suicidal thoughts.
Entertheforge (The FORGE – Tradespeople Supporting Tradespeople)
The initiative, The FORGE, is specifically designed for skilled trades workers to create safe spaces where they can share their struggles, talk openly, and build resilience together. The program emphasizes that mental-health support in the trades should come from peers who understand the industry and its challenges.
The model combines digital and in-person offerings. Online forums, live webinar sessions, and peer-support chat groups allow tradespeople to connect from job sites or between shifts. At the same time, the program plans physical “clubhouse” meet-up spaces, workshops, and peer-mentor sessions focused on mental health, recovery, and industry-specific wellness.
Early feedback shows that the program is helping people feel more connected and less alone. With peers who have real experience in the trades, The FORGE makes it easier to talk about mental health, break down stigma, and find support that actually fits the realities of the job.
Contact:
- Website: entertheforge.ca
- Phone (General Inquiries): 250-220-5861
- Address: 963 Langford Pkwy, Suite 215, Victoria, BC V9B 0A5
Trade Peer Recovery Program (Rhode Island Building Trades)
The Trade Peer Recovery Program is a peer-support initiative operated by Building Futures RI in partnership with the Rhode Island Building & Construction Trades Council. It connects union tradespeople in Rhode Island who are recovering from substance use or mental-health challenges with trained peer recovery coaches who themselves have lived experience.
Union members in or entering recovery are invited to become Recovery Peers. These individuals complete an interactive training, typically eight hours, that focuses on empathetic communication, recognizing signs of distress, understanding addiction as a medical condition, and navigating construction-industry-specific challenges.
Once trained, these peer coaches partner with union locals and job sites to provide support. They engage workers one-on-one or in small groups, offering personal support, sharing their own recovery journey, and helping colleagues connect to professional treatment, counselling, or job-site resources. They bring credibility because they “know the trade.”
The program also supports a broader culture shift. By embedding peers within the local and union structure, it helps reduce isolation, lower relapse risk, and encourage retention of workers who might otherwise leave the trades due to untreated substance use. For example, Building Futures reports that their recovery-peer training invites union members in recovery to step into the peer-mentor role, seeing it as part of a long-term wellness strategy.
Contact:
- Website: bfri.org/tradepeer/
- Phone: Michael Currier at 401-426-2470 for details on peer training and support.
MATES in Construction (Australia)
MATES in Construction is one of the most recognized peer-to-peer mental health programs in the world, created to reduce suicide and improve mental well-being among tradespeople in Australia. The program began in 2008 after research revealed alarmingly high suicide rates in the construction industry. Today, it operates across Australia and New Zealand, helping thousands of workers each year.
The MATES model is simple and effective. Workers receive on-site “Connector” training that teaches them how to recognize warning signs, start conversations about mental health, and link their peers to professional help when needed. Training takes place directly on job sites, allowing everyone—from apprentices to forepersons—to learn how to support one another. The program builds a “mates helping mates” culture that encourages openness, reduces stigma, and saves lives.
More than 367,000 workers have completed MATES training since its launch, and evaluations show clear improvements in help-seeking behavior and early intervention. By creating a strong peer network within the industry, MATES helps ensure that no worker faces a crisis alone.
Contact:
- Website: mates.org.au
- 24/7 Helpline: 1300 642 111
- Support: Free, confidential mental health and suicide prevention services for construction, mining, and energy workers.
Band of Builders (United Kingdom)
Band of Builders is a UK-based charity that provides practical and emotional support to tradespeople across the construction industry. Founded by a group of builders who wanted to help a fellow tradesman battling illness, the organization has grown into a national movement that champions mental health awareness and community care.
The charity’s “Big Brew” campaign invites workers to gather for informal coffee or tea meetups to encourage open conversations about mental health. These casual get-togethers create a comfortable space where tradespeople can talk about stress, grief, or burnout without judgment. In addition to its events, Band of Builders offers free and confidential counseling, a 24-hour text support line (“Text BOB” to 85258), and a growing network of peer supporters who understand the pressures of life on site.
Band of Builders has helped reduce isolation and stigma across the UK construction industry. By focusing on peer support, the group gives tradespeople a way to look out for each other and build a stronger sense of community in a job that can often feel isolating.
Contact:
- Website: bandofbuilders.org
- Text Support Line: Text BOB to 85258 for free, confidential peer and counseling support
- Support: Mental health resources, counseling, and peer connection for UK construction workers and their families
Key benefits of peer-to-peer support programs for tradespeople
Peer-to-peer programs are proving that sometimes the most powerful form of support comes from within the crew. When workers look out for one another, the benefits reach beyond mental health to create safer, more connected job sites where everyone feels valued and understood.
Reduced stigma and greater openness to help-seeking
Talking about mental health is never easy, especially in an industry where toughness is part of the culture. Peer-to-peer support programs help change that by showing that it’s okay to ask for help. When conversations about stress, depression, or recovery become normal, workers are more likely to speak up before a crisis happens. This kind of openness is what drives long-term culture change on the job site.
Shared understanding of industry culture and challenges
People in the trades tend to trust those who know what the job is really like. Long days, tight deadlines, and sore muscles are part of the work, and peers understand that better than anyone. That shared experience builds connection and makes it easier for workers to talk openly without worrying about being judged.
Improved early intervention and suicide prevention
Peer programs are often the first line of defense for those who are struggling. Trained peers can recognize early warning signs, like changes in mood, attendance, or safety habits, and start supportive conversations. In Australia, MATES in Construction reported an 8% reduction in suicide risk among participating workers, showing how peer intervention can save lives.
Better recovery outcomes for substance use
For those coping with addiction or in recovery, peers can be a lifeline. Programs like the Trade Peer Recovery Program in Rhode Island connect workers in recovery with mentors who have walked the same path. Having someone who understands the ups and downs of recovery makes it easier to stay accountable and supported through challenges.
Strengthened sense of belonging and purpose
Peer networks bring people together. Workers who take part often say they feel more connected and appreciated, and that sense of purpose makes it easier to stay positive and reach out to others. Feeling supported can lift both mental and physical health.
To keep the conversation going, employers and workers can explore toolbox talk topics for mental health to keep mental wellness part of everyday safety discussions. These talks encourage teams to check in with one another and help make peer support an everyday habit rather than a special program.
Common challenges and how to overcome them
While peer-to-peer support programs are making a real difference, they are not without challenges. Many of the same barriers that keep workers from seeking help can also make it difficult to build and maintain these programs. The good news is that each challenge has a practical solution that starts with communication, trust, and leadership.
Challenge: Stigma and resistance to open conversation
Even with progress, some workers still see mental health struggles as a sign of weakness. This stigma can make it hard to get buy-in for new programs or encourage workers to participate.
Solution: Change starts at the top. When leaders talk honestly about their own challenges and show that it’s okay to ask for help, others are more likely to follow. Supervisors, forepersons, and union reps can set the tone by bringing up topics like stress or burnout in everyday conversations. Even something simple, like checking in at the start of a meeting or sharing a mental health resource, can make a lasting difference.
Challenge: Funding and sustainability
Peer programs often start strong but lose momentum when funding runs out. Without consistent financial support, it can be hard to maintain training, resources, and ongoing outreach.
Solution: Partnering with unions, associations, safety councils, and insurance providers can help secure steady funding. Some programs even align with existing health and safety budgets since mental wellness directly affects productivity and job site safety. Building partnerships also helps spread the message and strengthen long-term impact.
Challenge: Lack of trust or confidentiality concerns
Workers may hesitate to share personal struggles if they fear judgment or gossip. Confidentiality is key to making peer programs effective and sustainable.
Solution: Proper peer training and clear privacy policies are essential. Peers need to understand the boundaries of confidentiality, when to refer someone for professional help, and how to protect a coworker’s trust. Creating formal guidelines and offering refresher training can help maintain this standard’s strength.
Challenge: Limited participation among smaller contractors or non-union workers
Many peer programs start in union settings, leaving out non-union workers or small independent crews that make up a large part of the industry.
Solution: Broader awareness campaigns and online peer networks can help reach these workers. Virtual check-ins, webinars, and mobile apps make support more accessible to those without access to formal programs. Partnerships between local safety associations, community groups, and trade schools can also extend outreach to apprentices and independent tradespeople.
When the industry faces these challenges head-on, peer support becomes a permanent part of how construction cares for its people.
The future of peer-to-peer support programs in the trades
The landscape of mental health support in the trades is changing fast. What started as small, local initiatives is now growing into a movement that spans industries and borders. As technology, education, and awareness continue to evolve, peer-to-peer programs are finding new ways to reach workers wherever they are.
Growth of digital and hybrid peer networks
More mental health support is moving online to fit the realities of a busy, on-the-go workforce. Apps and online groups now let tradespeople stay connected from any job site. Whether it’s a quick message or a virtual meetup, these spaces make it easier to talk things out and find help when times get tough.
Inclusion of apprentices, women, and underrepresented groups
Peer programs are starting to open their doors wider, to apprentices, women, and workers who haven’t always felt included. Creating safe spaces where everyone can talk and be heard helps the trades grow into a more understanding and inclusive community.
Integration into safety and wellness programs
More companies are recognizing that mental health is a critical part of workplace safety. Peer support is being built into existing safety meetings, toolbox talks, and wellness plans. When workers see that mental well-being is treated with the same importance as physical safety, participation naturally increases.
Partnerships with mental health organizations
Construction companies and unions are forming stronger partnerships with mental health organizations, nonprofits, and local health agencies to address mental health issues. These collaborations bring in expert training, crisis resources, and sustainable funding, helping programs grow and stay effective over time.
A shift toward lasting culture change
The ultimate goal of peer-to-peer support is not just to respond to crises but to change how the industry views mental health. It’s about making care, empathy, and conversation part of everyday work life. When checking in with a coworker becomes as routine as putting on a hard hat, the culture of the trades will be safer, stronger, and more compassionate.
Stay connected and keep the conversation going
Peer-to-peer support programs are changing the culture of the trades one conversation at a time. When workers look out for one another, the entire industry becomes stronger, safer, and more resilient.
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