Installer Support
30 | DECEMBER 2023
Installer Support
PIONEERING PATH TO SUPPORT EX OFFENDERS
The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity is pioneering an innovative programme designed to reintegrate prisoners into the workforce and help bridge the longstanding skills gap in the construction sector .
The pilot project at Cardiff Prison embraces the support of the Lighthouse Charity , GLA Group and Central Group to offer specialist skills training , soft skills development , and an exciting pathway into the roofing industry .
The GLA Group , renowned for its expertise in pitched and flat roofing courses , take on the role of mentor , delivering comprehensive training to prisoners with aspirations in the construction industry , Central Group , a roofing and cladding contractor , will offer individuals who complete the training an opportunity to pursue a career in the construction industry upon their release
Andy Bird , Director of the GLA Group said , “ GLA realise that it ’ s not just about teaching people new practical skills to help them when they leave prison , it ’ s having the skills to deal with the challenges we face on a daily basis that many of us take for granted but some cannot .”
Finally , the Lighthouse Charity will be offering a portfolio of self-paced e-learning modules that allow flexible learning and cover a diverse range of wellbeing topics , such as Banter vs Bullying , Resolving Conflict , Managing Stress , and Understanding Anxiety , among others .
Sarah Bolton , Chief Operating Officer of the Lighthouse Charity , articulated the importance of this programme , “ Through this holistic partnership , we are able to deliver not just the essential vocational skills , we ’ re also ensuring easy access to vital soft skills training . Many ex-offenders could face societal prejudice and difficulties finding work . This programme will enhance their employability and empower individuals entering the sector to embark on a sustainable career , with the skills to overcome the daily challenges of life .”
www . lighthouseclub . org
# MAKEITVISIBLE
Free workforce wellbeing and welfare portal for all in construction
The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity has partnered with CITB and Samaritans to create a wellbeing support tool , as part of the industry wide initiative called Make It Visible .
The Make It Visible campaign and portal aims to make welfare and wellbeing support visible on every construction site , helping to reduce the stigma around the subject and increase awareness of the support pathways available . Having secured over £ 400,000 in funding from CITB , the # MakeItVisible portal was created earlier this year to support the initiative .
The portal provides a wide range of resources , covering themes of emotional , physical , and financial wellbeing . It aims to help individuals recognise when they ’ re struggling and how to cope with the challenges they ’ re facing . For each area , there is an extensive list of organisations that can provide further in-depth advice and support .
Research shows that stress , depression , or anxiety accounts for 27 % of all work-related illness in construction . Tragically , the charity also reveals that two construction workers in the UK take their own lives each day . The charity ’ s mission is to ensure that no construction worker or their family feels alone in a crisis , and that they get the support they need before it ’ s too late .
The Make It Visible campaign also has a taskforce of people who are dedicated to visiting construction companies , builders ’ merchants , hire centres , and sites across the UK and Ireland to get the conversation started and raise awareness of the free resources . The team has spoken to almost 30,000 people and visited almost 500 sites since the on site tours started in February last year .
The portal is currently encouraging visitors to take part in the world ’ s biggest mental health check-in , One Million Lives . This free tool has been developed by mental health professionals to help users assess their current state of mind and better understand the complexities of mental health . One Million Lives aims to create a global ripple effect by encouraging users to share the tool with friends and family .
Bill Hill , Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity CEO , said : “ We have been overwhelmed by the support from our industry to take on the challenge of improving workforce welfare and wellbeing as a unified force . This new portal curates all the amazing free services from various charities in the UK and Ireland and simplifies access for anyone seeking emotional , physical or financial help . The CITB has been instrumental in making this happen . There is much more to do but this is a great step forward .”
Tim Balcon , CITB Chief Executive , said : “ We know that there is a huge mental health crisis in the construction industry , and we must do more to support workers and their families . The statistics presented by the Lighthouse Charity ’ s research are truly devastating , and with World Mental Health Day upon us , I urge anyone who is struggling right now to reach out to the charity ’ s helpline .
“ CITB has been making improvements to ensure employees get the wellbeing support they need , and I feel very passionately about carrying this through to industry . The work we are doing with the Lighthouse Charity will help drive long term culture change and promote fairness , inclusion , and respect across workforces .”
To find out more visit the # MakeItVisible portal today www . lighthouseclub . org