500 Miles Later: The Human Cost of Not Talking

In this episode of Build and Thrive, host Jennie Armstrong welcomes back the podcast’s first returning guest, Chris Rodgers, for a powerful and honest conversation about mental health, construction and what he learned from running 500 miles across the UK in 2025. Chris reflects on the challenge he undertook to raise awareness of mental health in construction, running a half marathon every week for 36 weeks while wearing construction PPE and carrying a flag. The challenge raised around £13,000 for Mates in Mind, but as Chris explains, the real impact came through the conversations it created. Jennie and Chris discuss the gaps that remain, from low mental health education and stigma to the way support is often treated as a bolt-on within workplaces. They also explore the pressure on day-rate workers, the limits of relying on charities and the need for more practical, accessible support that reaches people where they already are. What we cover: ● Why Chris took on a 500-mile challenge for mental health in construction ● What he learned from running across the UK in construction PPE ● Why conversations often happen when people feel someone is safe to approach ● The mental health support gaps Chris saw during the challenge ● Chris’s reflections on grief, suicide and the impact on families ● Why people need to know what they would do if someone close to them needed support ● Chris’s early plans for a new charity focused on accessible support and education ● This episode includes discussion of suicide, grief and mental health struggles. 🎧 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2431164 (or search your podcast app) 📺    • Build & Thrive Podcast - by Construction H...   🔹 Thank you to our sponsor, GKR Scaffolding, for supporting this series and helping us share our mission of improving health and wellbeing in construction. Episode Links: Jennie Armstrong:   / jenniearmstrong   Construction Health & Wellbeing: https://constructionhealth.co.uk/ Chris Rodgers: LinkedIn:   / christopher-rodgers-a38773154   VVB Engineering: Website: https://vvb-eng.com/ Facebook:   / vvbgroup   LinkedIn:   / vvb-engineering   GKR Scaffolding (sponsor): https://gkrscaffolding.co.uk/ Are you investing in a healthier and happier workforce? Want a free 30 minute strategy call to ensure you're on the right path. Email support@constructionhealth.co.uk