The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity and the Considerate Constructors Scheme have launched a new initiative to help support the mental health agenda in the construction industry.
Considerate Constructors Scheme registered sites, companies and suppliers can now provide their workforce with handy wallet-sized Construction Industry Helpline cards, as well as displaying posters to advertise the services.
The Construction Industry Helpline provides a free 24/7 confidential employee assistance programme for all of the construction workforce and their families in the UK. The Helpline is there to deliver mental health and wellbeing, financial assistance, legal advice and support on education and training.
The Helpline is operated by the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity (also known as the Lighthouse Club) and is funded by the charitable generosity of the construction industry.
With the crucial support of the Considerate Constructors Scheme, the Helpline has launched a new range of packs which are available to purchase. Each pack contains wallet sized Helpline cards for distribution to the workforce and A2 posters to promote the Helpline on site. There are nine packs in total, which are suitable for sites, companies and suppliers of different contract values and annual turnover.
By purchasing a pack, the site, company or supplier is also making a commitment to undertake a “Lighthouse Day”, which can be any day in the calendar year where anything can be done to raise much-needed funds for the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity.
The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity Chief Executive, Bill Hill, said: “As well as delivering emergency financial aid to those in our industry suffering hardship, we have augmented our Helpline services to support callers suffering from anxiety, stress, addictive behaviours and depression in support of the recent research into the mental health of the industry. It is now imperative that we put the Helpline Card in the hands of every construction worker in the industry, so they will always have a safety net to catch them at their time of need. The Considerate Constructors Scheme has fully embraced this initiative right from the start and we cannot thank them enough for their enthusiastic support.”
Considerate Constructors Scheme Chief Executive, Edward Hardy, said: “The Scheme is keen to take its ongoing support for the Construction Industry Helpline to the next level which is why we have launched these essential packs for the benefit of the entire workforce.
“The Helpline provides invaluable support for workers and their families during times of difficulty and hardship and has already made a huge difference to the lives of many people.
“The Scheme would like to see this important industry asset go from strength to strength which is why we are urging as many sites and businesses to purchase the packs and pledge to hold a “Lighthouse Day” to raise funds for the charity. There is no pressure to raise a target amount – just as much as you can on the day to make a difference.”
The Scheme has been supporting the Construction Industry Helpline ever since it officially partnered with the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity in 2014, when the Helpline was launched.
The Helpline is not publicly funded and relies entirely on the generosity and support of industry organisations, fundraising groups and individuals.
To access the Helpline’s team of experts, call the Construction Industry Helpline on 0345 605 1956 or visit www.constructionindustryhelpline.com
