Breaking the Silence: How We’re Supporting Men’s Mental Health at The Crown Group
One in eight men will experience a mental health issue in their lifetime (Mental Health Foundation, 2025). Despite this, less than half are likely to access the support of qualified professionals (American Counselling Association, 2024).
At The Crown Group, we aim to break the silence surrounding men’s mental health in an industry that is primarily male-dominated – rail (see Figure 1).
Figure 1 (NSAR, 2024)
The Rail industry often involves ‘long shifts, irregular hours, and physically demanding work’, which ‘can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression’ (Rail Business Daily, 2024). At The Crown Group, we recognise these challenges and are committed to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our team.
Whether our employees are based on-site or in the office, we have implemented a range of proactive measures to ensure that men across our workforce have access to the mental health support they need.
Lighthouse Charity Professional Support
We are proud to support The Lighthouse Construction charity, which offers 24/7 free and confidential support to our employees and their families. This vital service provides guidance on a wide range of wellbeing issues, including mental health, specifically tailored for construction workers.
If you are struggling, having a conversation can be the first step towards better mental health.
Please call Lighthouse’s 24/7 helpline service on: UK 0345 605 1956 ROI 1800 939 122 OR Text HARDHAT to: UK 85258 ROI 50808
Effective Open Communication
Effective open communication is a key part of our strategy, creating a culture where our workforce feels empowered to speak openly and honestly about any challenges they may be facing.
HR Open Door
Building on our commitment to open communication, our HR Open Door sessions are available to all staff. These confidential sessions provide a safe and supportive space for employees to discuss any concerns, seek guidance, or simply talk through challenges they may be experiencing – whether personal or professional.
Future Developments
At The Crown Group, we are continuously exploring new ways to support mental health more effectively. This includes researching additional resources, partnerships, and initiatives that can make a meaningful impact in the rail industry and wider society.
Let’s Talk. Let’s Listen. Let’s Support.
This Men’s Mental Health Week let’s encourage real open conversation. Here’s to breaking barriers and continuing to make a real difference in society surrounding the stigma around men’s mental health – not just this week but every week.
References
American Counselling Association (2024) Rethinking Masculinity. Available at: https://www.counseling.org/publications/counseling-today-magazine/article-archive/article/counseling-today–september-2024/rethinking-masculinity (Accessed: 2nd June 2025).
Mental Health Foundation (2025) Men and Women: Statistics. Available at: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/statistics/men-women-statistics (Accessed: 2nd June 2025).
NSAR (2024) A Spotlight on Women in the UK Rail Workforce. Available at: https://www.nsar.co.uk/2024/03/a-spotlight-on-women-in-the-uk-rail-workforce/ (Accessed: 3rd June 2025).
Rail Business Daily (2024) Breaking the Sigma: Mental Health in the Rail Industry. Available at: https://news.railbusinessdaily.com/breaking-the-stigma-mental-health-in-the-rail-industry/ (Accessed: 2nd June 2025).
