The UK government has announced a £3.27 million funding boost aimed at improving mental health support for the Port Talbot community, following significant job losses at the town’s steelworks. The funding will help steelworkers and their families cope with the psychological impact of the ongoing restructuring, including debt support, school initiatives, and suicide prevention training.
This funding comes in response to the closure of Tata Steel’s blast furnace six months ago, which has resulted in hundreds of job losses. Christopher Curtis, a former steelworker at the Port Talbot site, reflected on the emotional toll of losing what he once believed to be a “job for life.” The 42-year-old, who now runs a gardening business, shared that the past year had taught him the importance of prioritizing mental health.
“Last year, I struggled a lot. I was stressed about what was happening, and I took some time off work,” said Curtis. “But I’ve learned that mental health is more important than anything.”
Tata Steel has since taken steps to secure jobs for some of the workforce. Earlier this week, the company confirmed that 300 jobs had been secured as part of a £1.25bn project to transition to a greener, electric arc furnace. Despite this, the community continues to face uncertainty, and mental health support remains crucial for those affected by the restructuring.
Tata Steel’s Mental Health Support
Curtis received crucial support from Martyn Wagstaff, Tata Steel’s former mental health and wellbeing officer, during his difficult transition. “Martyn reassured me that everything was going to be okay,” Curtis said. The guidance helped him through his most challenging moments and gave him the confidence to pursue his new business full-time after leaving Tata in March.
Wagstaff, who left his role in December 2024 following the cuts to Tata’s wellbeing services, recognized the ongoing need for mental health support in Port Talbot. Having personally experienced mental health struggles, Wagstaff established his own support service, continuing to assist over 100 former employees and local community members.
“Having men and women in a room sharing their stories with each other is quite unusual in this environment, but it’s helped so many people,” Wagstaff explained. “Even now, I still have a lot of people reaching out for advice or just a chat.”
Despite the positive developments, the uncertainty remains palpable. Many former Tata workers, including those employed by businesses connected to the steelworks, continue to feel anxious about their futures.
£3m Fund to Boost Mental Health Services
The UK government’s £3.27 million allocation will provide targeted mental health services for those still struggling, as well as initiatives aimed at supporting the broader community. This includes offering financial support for workers experiencing debt, introducing mental health services to local schools, and expanding suicide prevention training for council and union workers.
Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales, acknowledged the toll the past 18 months have taken on the community. “The past 18 months have been incredibly difficult for the steelworkers of Port Talbot, their families, and the wider community. But we said we would back them in whatever ways were needed,” Stevens said. “We are helping people learn new skills, but we also need to protect people’s mental health, because well-being is crucial to getting back into work and staying in work.”
A Greener Future for Port Talbot
While the mental health of the community remains a priority, Tata Steel has also taken steps towards ensuring the long-term future of Port Talbot’s steel industry. This week, the company announced new contracts with local businesses to help build the electric arc furnace. These contracts, valued at £1.25bn, represent a significant step towards transitioning the plant to more sustainable steel production methods.
However, the restructuring, which has already seen 1,800 employees leave the business, has deeply impacted the workforce. More than half of those employees opted for voluntary redundancy, and many contractors and supply chain workers have been affected by the blast furnace closures.
As Port Talbot continues to adapt to these changes, the infusion of mental health support will be essential in helping the community navigate both personal and professional transitions in the months to come.
