Mental health in arboriculture

Emma Gilmartin, Senior Technical Officer

It may seem to be overusing the term to call something a crisis these days, but we must address the crisis of poor mental health.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), stress, depression or anxiety accounted for 46% of work-related ill health and 55% of all working days lost due to ill health in 2023/24.

Even though many of us will experience stress, depression or anxiety at some point in our lives, we recognise there are industry-specific barriers and stigma surrounding mental health that can prevent people from seeking support when they need it.

That’s why we are pleased to announce that the Association is now a supporter and partner of Mates in Mind. As a mental health charity with experience in providing support in specific kinds of workplaces, Mates in Mind is helping us to assess where we are on our mental wellbeing journey and to develop a tailored plan to address any gaps.

Over the coming months, you’ll see our plans in motion as we seek to do our part to improve the health and wellbeing of everyone working in arboriculture. We will share more awareness-raising material and make resources and training accessible. As ever, we’re happy to chat about what else we could be doing.

Please remember that your mental health is as important as your physical health. Don’t hesitate to call emergency services should you need to, or for someone else.

For urgent, but not emergency, support, please call the Samaritans on 116 123 or text BEAMATE to 85258. You can also access details of a range of other services on the Mates in Mind website: www.matesinmind.org/needhelp and via our friends at Perennial: www.perennial.org.uk/ways-we-help

This article was taken from Issue 209 Summer 2025 of the ARB Magazine, which is available to view free to members by simply logging in to the website and viewing your profile area.