Smile in the dirt

STRENGTH ISN’T SILENCE.

Smile in the Dirt brings people across construction together through music, opening up conversations about mental health and reminding us we don’t have to face everything on our own.

Created by singer-songwriter and construction professional Ben Francis, it’s a campaign rooted in real experiences, with a simple aim: to get people talking, listening and looking out for each other.

WHY I STARTED SMILE IN THE DIRT
A man with short dark hair and a serious expression is standing outdoors beside a stone wall with arched windows. He is wearing a dark jacket over a white shirt. There are two green wheelbarrows nearby, with one of them partially visible.

THE SONG THAT STARTED IT.

“I smile in the dirt, but I’m not alright.”

Written by Ben Francis and Samuel Jack, Smile in the Dirt puts words to the feelings we sometimes find hardest to say out loud.

It’s about looking strong on the outside while struggling underneath — something people across construction, and far beyond it, will recognise.

Give it a listen. If it makes you think of someone, send it their way. It could be a way to start a conversation.

A man standing against a brick wall with the phrase 'Smile in the dirt' painted above. He is wearing a dark jacket over a light-colored shirt and has short dark hair. There are two green wheelbarrows in front of him, one with graffiti on it.

ONE INDUSTRY. MANY VOICES.

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ONE INDUSTRY. MANY VOICES. > <

We’re bringing together people from across the UK construction industry to record a construction choir version of Smile in the Dirt.

Whether you work on site, in an office, behind a trade counter or anywhere in between, we’d love you to get involved. Everyone is welcome.

You don’t need to be a professional singer. If your usual audience is a van dashboard, you’re still welcome to put your name down.

We’re gathering interest now, with dates and recording details to follow. To get involved, email smileinthedirt@gmail.com with your name, where you’re based and what you do in construction.

Know someone who’d be up for it? Send this their way.

JOIN THE CONSTRUCTION CHOIR

A smiling man in a white t-shirt and blue jacket standing in front of a group of faceless silhouettes wearing dark uniforms and safety vests with question marks on their faces, against a stone wall background.