People

In pictures | Construction workers swap hard hats for yoga mats

Image: Pye Homes
Construction workers pictured during a special on-site wellness session (image: Pye Homes)

To celebrate International Day of Yoga (21 June), Pye Homes has invited construction workers to join a wellness session highlighting the importance of mental health awareness.

The homebuilder launched the awareness campaign at its Church Farm development in Oxfordshire, reflecting a long-term commitment to championing mental health and wellbeing initiatives in the workplace and the communities it serves.

Image: Pye Homes
The session at Pye Homes’ Church Farm site aimed to help “break the stigma” around mental health (image: Pye Homes)

Last year, Pye Homes ramped up its Wellbeing Ambassador programme for its employees, part of which included a regular drop-in ‘tea and chat’ session.

Thanks to its parent company, Blenheim Palace, Pye Homes has appointed a wellbeing coach and trained psychotherapist, Ruth Chaloner, to provide support regarding mental health concerns, as well as mentoring, coaching and training.

Chaloner also supports and trains a growing team of wellbeing ambassadors, who are available to offer advice and signpost support through the company’s employee assistance programmes. 

Image: Pye Homes
Pye Homes’ yoga session is a “simple yet powerful reminder” of the importance of wellbeing in the workplace (image: Pye Homes)

Damian Read, construction director at Pye Homes, said: “Mental Health is a huge concern in the construction industry and, like many other housebuilders across the sector, we’re here to support our workers promoting safety, wellbeing, and positive workplace environments. 

“Construction can be demanding both physically and mentally and that’s why we’re proud to shine a spotlight on mental health and break the stigma by doing something a little different, like this yoga session. 

“It’s a simple but powerful reminder that taking care of our wellbeing is just as important as meeting deadlines, putting up scaffolding or laying bricks. This initiative is part of our wider commitment to creating a culture where support, inclusivity, and mental health awareness are at the foundation of everything we do.” 

Mental health support and advice for CIOB members, past members and related family is available through CIOB Assist. CIOB, in partnership with Anxiety UK, also provides wellbeing support.

The Lighthouse Charity offers 24/7 free and confidential support on all aspects of emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing.
24/7 helplines: 0345 605 1956 (UK) 1800 939 122 (ROI)
Text HARDHAT to 85258 (UK) or 50808 (ROI)
Live chat and more information: www.lighthousecharity.org

Story for CM People? Get in touch via email: [email protected]

Comments

  1. Love this idea of mixing wellness with work! I’ve also been trying simple yoga stretches I found on SheMed—really helps with stress and back pain. Great to see construction workers getting involved too!

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest articles in People