A Banstead builders merchants is encouraging better mental health after statistics found one in four builders has considered suicide.

Chandlers Building Supplies at Station House, Banstead Road, wants customers to make use of a dedicated helpline if they are suffering or in crisis.

Data published by the Office for National Statistics in 2017 found:

One in four construction workers has contemplated suicide

More then half (55 per cent) experienced mental health issues in their lives

Nearly nine in ten, 88 per cent, said there needs to be more support

Sue McKinney, of Chandlers Building Supplies, believes if builders knew there was a Construction Industry Helpline, they could be better supported through dark times.

She said: “Research into mental health in construction is still in its infancy, but what we know is that it is a significant issue.

" The aim is for every customer to carry the card and also have one spare for a mate. We want as many of the Surrey building tradesmen and women to know about the helpline.”

The Banstead branch is actively promoting and distributing the details of the free helpline throughout May, which is Mental Health Awareness month.

Numerous factors specific to construction work are said to exacerbate poor mental wellbeing such as tight deadlines, often with penalties for non-compliance, long commutes, low rates of pay, job insecurity, isolation and fatigue.