Rugby Brothers Jake and Josh Caulfield Go Public with Their Mental Health Battles to Transform Construction Industry
By Mental Health Correspondent
Current and Former Rugby Stars Share Personal Struggles to Break Industry Stigma and Save Lives
For the first time, professional rugby player Josh Caulfield and his brother, former international player Jake Caulfield, from the south west of England, are publicly revealing their personal mental health journeys in an effort to revolutionise wellbeing in the UK construction industry.
Behind their 6’4” and 6’2” frames, both battled struggles that nearly cost them their lives.
Their decision to speak out comes at a critical moment for construction, which continues to have one of the highest suicide rates among UK industries, with men particularly at risk.
The six-foot four 20 stone Jake, who transitioned from professional rugby to senior leadership in schools to now founding Evolution Developments, describes his battle with depression over the years.
"For years, I put on a brave face while spiraling inside with mental health battles. Men these days are fighting even more stigma with the toxic masculinity and especially in a trade such as construction.
“My brother and I have both struggled in huge ways and are passionate to share our story and help solve the problem. One life lost is too many.”
Meanwhile, Josh, who continues to play professionally, has battled anxiety throughout his career:
Josh said: "I've had panic attacks in changing rooms and dark thoughts I never shared with teammates. I was convinced showing vulnerability would end my career. It is important we all speak out and change the narrative for men and mental health.”
Jake adds: "Construction and rugby share this dangerous culture of silence. We're taught to push through pain, never show weakness. But that approach is literally killing men. By sharing our stories - as athletes, as builders, as brothers - we want to show that the strongest thing you can do is speak up."
Through Evolution Developments, the brothers are now talking with mental health charities Wellspring Counselling and In Charley's Memory to implement comprehensive support systems including:
✅ 'Hard Hat Check-ins' - regular, structured opportunities for workers to assess their mental state
✅ Mental Health First Aid training for site managers
✅ Confidential support pathways for workers in crisis
✅ The 'Building Minds' podcast featuring real stories from industry professionals
"This is deeply personal for us," says Jake. "Every construction site in Britain has men suffering silently just like we did. By sharing our stories - the dark moments, the recovery, the ongoing journey - we want to show that mental health struggles aren't weakness. They're part of being human."
Both brothers eventually found support through different pathways - both involving talking with others.
For more information about the initiative or to get your company involved, contact: info@evolutiondevelopments.co.uk
