This week (18-25th May) is Mental Health Awareness week, the theme this year is Kindness. During this uncertain time its important to remember that everyone is being affected, in different ways, so any act of kindness can make a big difference.
Research from the Dulux Academy last year revealed that decorators are amongst the least open trade profession when it comes to discussing mental health, despite 1 in 2 admitting to having been affected at some point in the past 5 years.
In the survey with 1,000 trade professionals, builders topped the table as most likely to suffer with mental health issues, despite being the most likely to ask for help. In contrast, almost half (45 per cent) of professional painters and decorators wouldn’t be open to asking for support.
Overall, professionals highlighted the rise of mental health issues as a challenge in the industry, with a staggering 84 per cent having experienced the impact of mental health struggles in the job, and 75 per cent admitting to having personally battled with mental health conditions.
That’s why this year we have trained 15 Select Decorators as Mental Health First Aiders, and have now partnered with the Rainy Day Trust to provide support where needed for our members. These initiatives, along with the great community vibe of Select will help us all come out stronger than ever.
Dulux Select Decorators show their #TrueColours by helping communities in lockdown
On a positive note, we are amazed to see how our Dulux Select Decorators are supporting communities across the country through lockdown by lending a helping hand where it’s needed most.
These acts of kindness range from delivering food to the hungry to supporting those with special educational needs.
It’s part of the #TrueColours social movement which celebrates those who are adding colour to people’s lives, especially in times of darkness.
They include Dulux Select Decorator Tony McCawley from the East Midlands. He’s transformed his van into a mobile food truck - delivering supplies to vulnerable members of the community for local charity FareShare.
And there’s Dulux Select Decorator Sean Kelly from Watford. He’s been backing the local OneVision initiative by using his van to ensure those who are vulnerable or isolating don’t go without hot meals.
Meanwhile, in Hull the Dulux Decorator Centre has been supporting local Dulux Select Decorator Glen Wilds. His customer's son Kieron is a devoted Dulux fan who has special educational needs. The staff at the Dulux Decorator Centre have provided him with a host of items including Dulux Decorator Centre t-shirts and a toy Dulux Dog to help him through lockdown.
Vickie Mather said: “We could not be prouder of our Dulux Select Decorators at the moment.
“The Coronavirus outbreak has caused widespread uncertainty and worry across the industry at a time when many have struggled with the effects of mental health problems.
“That’s why it’s so heartwarming to see the efforts of our decorators who are doing all they can to offer support to their communities during this difficult time.”
We’d love to hear more of your stories, share them with us in the Select group or join the #TrueColours Facebook Group to share them with our partners across the industry.