The Reality We’re Facing
In 2023, 700 construction workers in the UK died by suicide. That’s more than two people every working day.
In the last 10 years, we’ve lost over 7,000 people in this industry and sadly those are just the numbers we know of.
We spend our lives building things but when it comes to building ourselves up mentally and emotionally most of us are left to do it alone.
I wanted to change that.
My Story
My name’s Vishal Narbheram and I’ve been an electrician for over 15 years (gosh, how time flies). I love my trade and I’m still on the tools but I’ve also felt the weight that comes with it like the long hours, the pressure, the financial struggles and the culture of silence.
I live with ADHD and OCD and I’ve spent years battling burnout, anxiety and feeling like I didn’t fit in not just on-site but in life. When I needed support, I had to bounce between several companies. There was no single place I could turn to for the help I actually needed.
So I built one.
What We’re Hearing on Site
Since launching Onward Shift, I’ve spoken to dozens of people across the trades from ground workers to senior management and the honesty has been overwhelming.
“I lost a mate to suicide last year. Money pressures, no support. No one saw it coming.”
“There’s so much shame in speaking up. You’re seen as weak.”
“The company preaches wellbeing on posters but on-site we don’t see any thing actually change”
And more than once, I’ve heard: “We just don’t matter.”
It’s so obvious to see this isn’t right. Construction is an incredible industry full of talented, hardworking people who keep the world moving but so many of us feel unseen, unsupported and silently struggling.
Something needs to be done.
The Start of Onward Shift
Onward Shift isn’t a corporate app. It’s not a tick box exercise. It’s a movement built from the site up.
It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from. If you need support, we’ve created a space for you. We offer both paid and free resources, including:
- 1 to 1 coaching and counselling
- A check-in system
- Podcasts and blogs sharing real stories
- Keynote talks for sites and events
- Weekly wellbeing walks in Colchester (with plans to grow)
We’ve published over 30 blogs and podcasts, welcomed 24 professionals to the platform and received support from tradespeople all across the UK.
It’s not perfect but it’s real and it’s growing.
Explore the Platform
If you’re curious, struggling or just want to see what we’re building check us out here: https://onwardshift.com
Stay in the Loop
We’re not here to spam. Just honest updates sign up to our newsletter here: https://onwardshift.com/newsletter
Final Thought
This industry is full of strong, skilled people so remember you don’t have to suffer in silence. You don’t have to face it alone.
You deserve space to heal, grow and move forward.
Welcome to Onward Shift your space to do just that.
Vishal Narbheram
Founder, Onward Shift
https://onwardshift.com
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