PRESS RELEASE
"Treat mental health with ‘same seriousness’ as physical health", Mindflow CEO, ex-England and Everton player, Trevor Steven, says.
- The Mindflow Charter sets out a framework bringing mental health directly on to sites, bringing parity between physical and psychological well-being.
- Research has found two construction workers take their own lives each day.
- The Mindflow charity aims to break down barriers to talking about mental health on construction sites using the influence of football.
- Announcement made by Mindflow CEO and ex-England and Everton player, Trevor Steven, supported by regional mayor Andy Burnham and former shadow minister for mental health, Baroness Berger.
- The work of Mindflow is being actively backed by former professional footballers, including Jason McAteer, David White, Colin Hendry, Chris Kirkland, Paul Stewart and championed by Gary Lineker, John Barnes, Ally McCoist, Viv Anderson, Robbie Fowler, Peter Reid and Stuart Pearce.
A new mental health support framework aiming to save lives in the construction industry has been launched by the charity, Mindflow.
The framework, known as the Mindflow Charter, introduces an actionable and measurable standard for mental health provisions on construction sites.
Companies who register commit to a written mental health and wellbeing policy outlined in ten measurable principles enabling construction and supply chain organisations to take a robust approach to mental health on-site.
Mindflow is a new charity, founded by Causeway Technologies, committed to addressing the high rates of poor mental health in the construction industry through the influence of football. Its CEO is Trevor Steven, a former England and Everton player and has been Causeway’s mental health ambassador for construction for nearly five years.
Research has found two construction workers take their own lives every working day.
And in a recent survey carried out on sites by Trevor and Causeway, visiting construction sites across the country, collecting more than 1,400 completed surveys from construction workers, more than half of those asked say they have experienced struggles with their mental health.
Trevor said: “With The Mindflow Charter, we’re setting clear standards. We want all construction companies to treat every workers’ mental health with the same seriousness as their physical safety. Because wellbeing isn’t optional — it’s essential.”
The Charter has been supported by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, and the former Shadow Minister for Mental Health, Baroness Berger, who believe it could bring about significant improvement. They spoke at its launch event.
Andy said: “I’m proud to support it. We need the Mindflow Charter as part of the Mayfield Review. We need to connect this to the bigger national picture.”
Berger added: “I’m so impressed and really pleased with the important work Mindflow is doing and I’ve no doubt their work will save lives.”
The Mindflow Charter builds on ongoing Mindflow work. The charity brings former football players on to construction sites to raise awareness of mental health issues, start conversations, and funds volunteers to train as mental health first aiders. It’s being delivered through the charity’s ‘Talk Football, Talk Mental Health’ pilot which is taking place in the North West thanks to the support of Christopher Ward, UK’s largest watch brand as part of their 2% for Good initiative.
Mindflow has been working with Persimmon Homes. Karl Wiseman, Deputy Regional Chairman, Persimmon Homes said: “It’s an innovative approach to a long-term issue within the industry and using football as an ‘in’ is proving a match winning formula on our sites. We have received positive feedback and using football to break the ice has really resonated with our workforce.”
To register for the Charter, or to partner with Mindflow in this crucial initiative, please contact charter@mindflow.charity
To find out more information please contact:
Jack Gevertz
About Mindflow:
Mindflow launched March 20, 2025 at the National Football Museum in Manchester.
Mindflow was founded by Causeway Technologies as part of its wider ESG commitment to the industry and giving something positive back to the communities in which it serves.
Mindflow’s mission is to transform the construction industry into a place where mental health is as fundamental as physical safety, creating a culture of proactive support and early intervention. By focusing on leading indicators and integrating mental wellbeing into workplace standards, we will significantly reduce suicide rates and severe mental health issues. Mindflow’s vision is an industry where every worker has continuous access to the resources and community connections they need to thrive, fostering complete worker wellbeing.
