Football + construction + mental health: kick-starting conversations that save lives
Mindflow is the charity championing mental health in construction. We use the power of football to help construction workers open up, support each other, and build a better culture, so that no one on site has to struggle alone.
Construction's mental health crisis
Construction is one of the UK’s largest industries, with more than 2 million workers. But it’s also one of the hardest places to talk about mental health. More than half of those interviewed during research by our CEO, former Everton and England footballer Trevor Steven, said they have struggled with their mental health. This is the industry's real crisis.
Mindflow is bringing the power of football to construction sites to break down the stigma, spark open and honest conversations and build a culture of openness and early intervention.
What drives Mindflow, and football's role throughout
Construction and football share more than it seems: working-class roots, high pressure, and a culture where strength has often led to silence.
The world of football is beginning to change, with players and clubs embracing mental wellbeing, however construction still lags behind. Male site workers are four times more likely to die by suicide than the national average and many still feel there’s no safe way to speak up.
Football can help change that. It is a universal language that unites communities and shares common ground, with 67% of workers in the industry describing themselves as fans. Talking about a match can spark a conversation with a colleague, encouraging them to open up.
What we do at Mindflow
Mindflow exists to change construction's culture of silence, using football as a way in.
The Mindflow Charter
A new mental health standard for construction companies, built on core principles and a public register.
Mindflow Match-Ups
Football-led sessions, delivered by former professional footballers, that spark real conversations.
Mindflow United
Our first team squad of leaders backing mental health in construction, one shirt at a time.
Partnerships
Embedding mental wellbeing into business and culture, for all types of construction companies.
Supported across construction, research and sport
Mindflow's work is backed by our founding partners, research organisations, and construction companies across the UK
Backed by football legends
Mindflow is supported by former professional footballers who know the pressure of silence and the power of speaking up. This isn’t about awareness. It’s about action.
John Barnes
Mindflow Champion
Gary Lineker
Mindflow Champion
Paul Stewart
Mindflow Ambassador
Ally McCoist
Mindflow Champion
Paul Lake
Mindflow Ambassador
Robbie Fowler
Mindflow Champion
Viv Anderson
Mindflow Champion
Chris Kirkland
Mindflow Ambassador
Jason McAteer
Mindflow Ambassador
Peter Reid
Mindflow Champion
Clayton Blackmore
Mindflow Ambassador
Stuart Pearce
Mindflow Champion
Trevor Steven
Mindflow CEO
John Barnes
Mindflow Champion
Gary Lineker
Mindflow Champion
Paul Stewart
Mindflow Ambassador
Ally McCoist
Mindflow Champion
Paul Lake
Mindflow Ambassador
Robbie Fowler
Mindflow Champion
Viv Anderson
Mindflow Champion
Chris Kirkland
Mindflow Ambassador
Jason McAteer
Mindflow Ambassador
Peter Reid
Mindflow Champion
Clayton Blackmore
Mindflow Ambassador
Stuart Pearce
Mindflow Champion
Trevor Steven
Mindflow CEO
John Barnes
Mindflow Champion
Gary Lineker
Mindflow Champion
Paul Stewart
Mindflow Ambassador
Ally McCoist
Mindflow Champion
Paul Lake
Mindflow Ambassador
Robbie Fowler
Mindflow Champion
Viv Anderson
Mindflow Champion
Chris Kirkland
Mindflow Ambassador
Jason McAteer
Mindflow Ambassador
Peter Reid
Mindflow Champion
Clayton Blackmore
Mindflow Ambassador
Stuart Pearce
Mindflow Champion
Trevor Steven
Mindflow CEO
John Barnes
Mindflow Champion
Gary Lineker
Mindflow Champion
Paul Stewart
Mindflow Ambassador
Ally McCoist
Mindflow Champion
Paul Lake
Mindflow Ambassador
Robbie Fowler
Mindflow Champion
Viv Anderson
Mindflow Champion
Chris Kirkland
Mindflow Ambassador
Jason McAteer
Mindflow Ambassador
Peter Reid
Mindflow Champion
Clayton Blackmore
Mindflow Ambassador
Stuart Pearce
Mindflow Champion
Trevor Steven
Mindflow CEO
See what's new at Mindflow
Running for a Legacy: Harry Blight’s Challenge for Mindflow in Memory of His Father
VolkerStevin Joins Mindflow United to Champion Mental Health in Construction
NWCHSG raises £3,500 for Mindflow at St George’s Hall health and safety event
Once For All signs for Mindflow United to mark Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month
Mindflow to feature at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium thanks to Christopher Ward
New mental health framework unveiled by Mindflow charity to save lives in the construction industry
Join the movement
This isn’t just about awareness. It’s about action. Mindflow is here to build a healthier, safer construction industry for all — and we need your support.