To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, Multevo has released a video in partnership with Blackburn Rovers FC to highlight the impact abuse has on individuals - whether on the roads or on the pitch - and to change public behaviours.
In this powerful campaign video, Blackburn Rovers players Cauley Woodrow and Dom Hyam and Multevo’s traffic management operatives Tommy Gorman, Shane Lane and Jason Evans, come together to discuss the abuse faced by road workers and footballers alike.
The video looks at the parallels of abuse suffered by both parties, the impact and how both road workers and footballers work to keep strong.
Mental health matters: The toll of abuse
Multevo - a nationwide contractor, self-delivering a range of services including highways, traffic management, vegetation and civils - has over 350 operatives and revealed that since the start of 2024 alone it received more than 150 reports of physical or verbal abuse on site.
'Road workers face an ongoing and serious issue: abuse. It’s time to change this,' Multevo said.
'Whether it’s verbal insults or worse, these workers put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, often encountering hostility simply because of the job they do. Sadly, this isn’t just a challenge on the roads, it’s something shared by footballers who face similar abuse, both online and in the stadium. This common experience is something that must be addressed.'
It added that the emotional and mental strain that abuse causes road workers is significant and can lead to stress, anxiety, depression and feelings of isolation.
Mr Gorman said: 'People just seem to see us as an obstruction in the road. Try to see us as human rather than an object, it would probably make the world a better place.'
Mr Evans said the pressures of the work and constant level of abuse from the public have made him contemplate quitting in the past: 'I’ve felt like quitting, on the spot. There was a situation that made me feel like quitting and just giving up. I thought "I can’t do this anymore".'
And while road workers face abuse on the streets, footballers like Cauley Woodrow and Dominic Hyam endure their own form of abuse, whether from the stands or online abuse.
Mr Woodrow commented: 'People don’t understand that as footballers we are just people. I think the human side of a footballer is forgotten about. So, if we don’t perform, we then get a lot of abuse.'
After hearing the severity of road worker abuse, Mr Hyam commented: 'It’s opened my eyes, it’s crazy. I didn’t know the abuse was at a level of you having to wear body cameras.'
Taking a moment to understand
Multevo has urged the public to consider that a moment of patience and understanding can make all the difference. This campaign serves as a reminder that we should approach each other with respect, recognising that we're all working towards the same goal — making things better.
In a statement, Multevo said: 'If you or someone you know is dealing with the effects of abuse or is suffering mentally, you need to know there is support out there. We are incredibly proud to be partnering with Blackburn Rovers in this important campaign and are committed to raising awareness about the issue of abuse and supporting those who face it in their everyday work. Watch the video now to see how we can all make a difference.'
The following is a list of support options:
Samaritans
Available 24/7 for confidential support. You can reach them at 116 123 or visit their website for more information: www.samaritans.org
Mind
A mental health charity providing support and advice. Visit their website for resources: www.mind.org.uk
NHS Mental Health Services
The NHS provides a range of mental health services, including helplines, therapy, and local support. Visit www.nhs.uk/mental-health for more details.
