The 24 / 7 confidential helpline is funded by the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity and provides access to a portfolio of support services for all construction workers and their families in the UK and Ireland . The charity receives no public funding and relies on the generosity of those within the industry to ‘ look after its own ’.

On average , the helpline receives around 120 calls each month from applicants or someone representing the applicant . The helpline provides a range of services that supports people returning to work or if they can no longer carry on with their existing role , signpost them to re-training so they can remain within the construction industry . The helpline also provides advice and support to help people adjust to their individual circumstances and become financially independent .

Working in construction can be extremely rewarding , but it comes as no surprise that it ’ s also one of the most stressful and dangerous industries to work in .

Julie Buckingham , welfare manager for the charity said , “ The helpline is constantly evolving and since its launch , our services have been developed to ensure that we meet the needs of those calling the helpline . For some time now we have recognised that to really help , we need to do more than just provide financial assistance . All our

call handlers are trained in mental health first aid and will ask a series of questions concerning the applicant ’ s specific situation . These follow the seven areas of need to determine whether the applicant would benefit from additional advice and support from a mental health expert , so that we can signpost them to the relevant service for additional support .”

Julie added : “ In a recent questionnaire to current and recent beneficiaries , over 80 % of respondents said that they experienced mental health issues following their accident or illness . In response to those needs , the helpline now provides access to counselling services to help people talk through their issues . It ’ s important to stress the confidentiality of the helpline . For many , this may be the first time they have spoken to someone and we realise that taking that first step isn ’ t always easy .”

In addition to the counselling services , the charity has also introduced a debt advice service to support applicants who had got themselves into debt because of their accident or illness . Access to legal advice was also introduced .

Last year and with the crucial support of the Considerate Constructors Scheme , the charity launched a new range of packs to promote the helpline ’ s services . Each pack contains wallet sized helpline cards for distribution to the workforce and A2 posters to promote the helpline on site .

Bill Hill , Lighthouse Club Charity CEO said : “ We have now distributed over 100,000 cards but our biggest challenge is to get them out to every one of our 2.1 million construction workers . Many larger employers offer employee assistance programmes but over 53 % of our construction workforce are self-employed , so we need to ensure

that we reach those who have nowhere else to turn .”

There is little doubt that mental health in construction is a significant issue and the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity has put in measures in place to address those support needs . It is going to need a massive cultural shift within the industry to deal with it , requiring managers and workers alike to recognise that there is an issue and for workers not to be afraid of putting their hands up and asking for help .

To access the helpline ’ s team of experts , call the Construction Industry Helpline on 0345 605 1956 or visit www . constructionindustryhelpline . com

For information about Construction Industry Helpline packs visit www . constructionindustryhelpline . com

In little more than 18 months , REAL Aluminium has become not only one of the industry ’ s fastest-growing brands but also one of the UK ’ s biggest manufacturers of Smart Systems ’ aluminium products - in fact , sales of its windows , doors and lantern roofs have grown by more than 300 %.

Now , this phenomenal demand has led parent company Customade Group to invest £ 250,000 in a new 23,000ft 2 factory to ramp up aluminium window production by 60 %. This substantial investment will cement REAL Aluminium ’ s position as a leading force in the supply of aluminium and enable the company to comfortably satisfy future demand .

The new production facility at Stonehouse in Gloucestershire , will increase REAL Aluminium ’ s production space significantly , bringing it to 75,000ft 2 in total . The new space will allow REAL Aluminium to boost window production to 800 frames per week , while capacity for aluminium bi-folding doors will increase to 300 doors per week .

Nick Gibbons , chief operating officer at Customade Group

www . real-aluminium . co . uk