This is Where Construction Starts Talking
Mental Health & Masculinity
Join Vishal Narbheram for honest, live talks about mental health and masculinity in construction
Hey,
I’m Vish and I’ve spent over 15 years working in construction as an electrician. Like many in the industry, I kept things to myself, got on with the job and didn’t speak about what was really going on.
Behind the scenes, I was really struggling both personally and at work. My mental health was in a bad place. I was constantly trying to keep my head above water while living up to what I thought being “a man” was supposed to look like.
Eventually, I reached a point where I didn’t want to be here anymore. That was the moment I chose to see a therapist and it changed my life.
It also made me realise just how little space there is in construction for real conversations.
That’s why I created Onward Shift a platform for the industry I love to get the kind of support I once needed.
I’d love to see you in person at one of my talks! 👊🏽💙
What This Talk Is About
This is a keynote-style talk built from real lived experience in construction, not theory, not textbooks. It’s raw, honest and sometimes uncomfortable but it’s real, it’s my story.
During the session, we cover:
- Mental health in construction
- The pressure of “just getting on with it”
- Masculinity and the impact of not speaking up
- Breaking down the “man up” culture
- Why asking for help is not weakness, it’s necessary!
This Conversation Matters
This isn’t a small issue, it’s sadly happening across the entire industry and in all parts of UK:
- 94% of construction workers experience stress
- 83% struggle with anxiety
- 27% have had suicidal thoughts
- 2 workers take their own life every working day
These aren’t just numbers they’re people onsite, people we work with every day. People we rely on turning up when we most need them and the truth is, nothing changes if we don’t take the time to talk about it.
What to Expect on the Day
- A live keynote talk sharing real experiences
- Open Q&A and discussion (no pressure to speak)
- A space to listen, reflect and understand
- Time at the end to connect and speak with others
Who This is For
These talks are built for people in construction tradespeople, site workers, supervisors but they are open to anyone who wants to listen, understand and be part of the solution.
Movements don’t start in isolation. They grow when more people are willing to hear what’s really going on and choose to be part of the change.
Important Information
📍 Event Details
- Next Date TBC
- Holiday Inn Birchwood Road, Dedham, Colchester, CO7 6HS
- Teas and coffees provided
- Parking included
- Price – £10.00 per ticket
🔞 Due to the nature of the content and personal experiences shared, this event is not suitable for under 18s.
£10.00 per ticket - Book Here
Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, spaces are limited, so booking in advance is recommended to secure your place.
No. There’s absolutely no pressure.
You can just come, listen and take it in.
These talks are built for people in construction but they’re open to anyone who wants to understand, listen and be part of the conversation.
Due to the nature of the topics discussed, these talks are not suitable for under 18s.
- Teas and coffees
- Free parking
- A relaxed, informal environment
- A real, honest talk
- A better understanding of mental health in construction
- A space to reflect
- The opportunity to connect with others
Yes, there’s time at the end to connect and talk if you want to.
