MENTalk was founded by three Expert Trades members, Stephen Blair, Lee Woodgate and Steve Smith, to encourage men to have open and honest conversations about their mental health. The popular MENTalk podcast has provided a platform for male trade professionals to connect with others and discuss mental health issues without stigma, by showing #ItsOkNotToBeOk.

The community group has received widespread acclaim within the industry, as well as endorsements from celebrity backers including Peter Dale, aka ‘Tubes’ from Sky Sports’ Soccer AM and ITV football commentator, Clive Tyldesley.

The new partnership with Baxi aims to share ways to help the installer community prioritise their mental well-being, with many workers under increased pressure and stress during the current crisis, from growing uncertainty around reduction in work to worries about the increased health risks of working in customer’s homes.

the coming months, Baxi and MENTalk will be working together to create a hub of useful resources to support installers through these challenging times, including the creation of online support content and information, podcasts, digital workshops and access to professional therapy and counselling services.

The partnership will also offer a range of fun activities, online and on social media to help connect the community, encourage interaction and boost morale.

Andy Workman, sales director at Baxi, said: “Like many workers across the nation, installers are under increased pressure and stress as a result of the current crisis. It’s important for us to acknowledge this and support our community of installers wherever we can, going above and beyond what we do as a leading manufacturer of quality plumbing and heating products, and offering technical support and helpful advice.

“Our partnership with a fantastic community support network like MENTalk will play a key role in our ongoing commitment to promoting mental health awareness and well-being within our industry. We’re looking forward to teaming up with MENTalk to help support the great work they do.”

Steve Smith, one of the founding members of MENTalk, said: “We need to get more men talking about their mental health and seeking help where needed and everything we do is with this aim in mind. That’s why we are so thankful for Baxi’s support and couldn’t be prouder of the plans we have made together to offer online support and virtual social outlets for installers to stay connected.”

You can follow and join the MENTalk community on Instagram and Facebook @MENTalkUK and on Twitter @MENTalkTweet.

Look out for the Baxi and MENTalk virtual pub quiz which will be hosted on Baxi’s Facebook channel @BaxiUK on Friday April 24.