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In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Between the Walls, Janey and Verity sit down with Wānaka builder Glen Thurston to talk about mental health in the construction industry. Glen shares his own story—one that includes burnout, alcohol dependence, and suicidal thoughts—and how he found the courage to ask for help and turn his life around.

We explore the brutal reality behind the statistics: 53 construction workers lost to suicide each year in New Zealand. In response, Glen launched Turn the Corner—a mission to climb Corner Peak 53 times in 53 days, each climb honouring a life lost. No fundraising, no fanfare—just a call to start talking.

Glen also shares how his journey led to Mental Hunts, an initiative working to change the way mental health is handled for firearms license holders and rural communities. This is an open, honest, and important conversation for anyone in or around the building industry.

Content warning: This episode includes discussions of suicide and depression.

Key Takeaways
 – 53 lives a year: the mental health crisis in construction
 – Glen’s personal story: from rock bottom to recovery
 – Why opening up to a GP was the hardest—and best—decision
 – The power of movement: why walking and talking matters
 – Financial pressure, industry stress, and toxic culture
 – How Turn the Corner got tradies talking on the mountain
 – Mental Hunts: tackling the fear of losing your firearms license
 – What you can say when someone is struggling
 – Why mental health training should be as normal as first aid
 – The need for everyday brain maintenance—not just crisis support

Follow Glen Thurston
 Instagram: @_turnthecorner 
@mentalhunts

Support & Resources
 Mates in Construction — Free, confidential support for workers in the building industry

Follow Between the Walls
 Instagram: @betweentheII_IIs