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The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity continues to be a steadfast beacon of hope for those in need and in 2023 , they saw 4438 people reaching out for support through its 24 / 7 Construction Industry Helpline , a 30 % increase on the previous year .
Their charitable spend also increased by 12 % to £ 3,727,386 . This support has been delivered against the backdrop of a challenging year for the industry , with continued increases in the cost of materials , the cost of living crisis and ongoing labour shortages .
The charity is in the unique position of being able to offer every aspect of emotional , physical , and financial wellbeing support . This means that they deliver a truly holistic approach , responding quickly to the needs of the construction workforce and ensuring they are equipped with the life skills to facilitate a sustainable future .
Charity caseworkers played a key role in this achievement and through collaboration with other charitable organisations and ensuring that people accessed their statutory entitlements , they leveraged a staggering £ 1,524,508 of financial support .
One of the charity ’ s most successful front-line interventions has been the hugely popular MakeItVisible on site initiative . In 2023 the team visited 390 worksites and engaged with more than 25,000 site
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workers . These on-site visits are a crucial component of ensuring the message of support reaches some of our industry ’ s most vulnerable workers , including the trades and contractors . Last year alone , the on-site team made a life-changing and life-saving impact with 147 workers experiencing suicidal thoughts . Through simple conversations they were able to provide immediate support , implementing positive interventions and signposting to expert help .
Earlier in the year , the charity unveiled the groundbreaking MakeItVisible Wellbeing Portal , www . makeitvisible . info , fostering industry collaboration . This comprehensive resource provides information , advice , and guidance , directing users through authentic video case studies to support pathways for
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all aspects of emotional , physical and financial wellbeing .
Bill Hill , CEO of the Lighthouse Charity , emphasised the positive impact , stating , “ We are making a difference in the lives of those who reach out to us . The increase in families helped and charitable spend is encouraging .
I ’ m also encouraged to see the industry ’ s commitment to a culture of positive wellbeing and the support of the MakeItVisible campaign is testament to that . By joining forces , the industry is transforming work sites and creating a lasting impact on lives .
As part of our charity ’ s ongoing efforts to diversify support pathways , we recently introduced a live online chat service offering immediate support from our helpline advisers . As well as providing help without
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the need for a telephone conversation , the service also offers a real time translation service which extends our support to those who may not have English as their first language .”
The charity ’ s Wellbeing Champion Support programme offers professional support to over 12.000 mental health first aiders in the industry . This ensures that those who bear the emotional weight of the workforce are supported in managing their own wellbeing as well
If you or anyone you know is struggling , reach out for free and confidential support now .
24 / 7 Construction Industry Helplines ; 0345 605 1956 ( UK ) 1800 939 122 ( ROI )
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as enhancing their ability to provide continued support to others .
In 2023 their Critical Response Service provided vital support at 50 locations for those affected by a serious or fatal on-site incident . A specialist team provide immediate support offering a ‘ safe space ’ for people to share their concerns and signpost to specialist trauma counsellors if necessary .
The charity ’ s Wellbeing Academy caters for the diverse learning styles and needs within the industry and is aimed at equipping workers with the soft skills they need to navigate today ’ s challenges . Recent additions have included new self paced elearning courses along with Lighthouse Wellbeing Exclusives , such as their Suicide Awareness courses which were attended by 341 workers last year .
Reflecting a year of resilience , growth , and impactful initiatives , the charity will publish their 2023 Impact Report in May 2024 once the final audited accounts have been approved and filed .
Live chat lighthouseclub . org constructionindustryhelpline . com makeitvisible . info
Text HARDHAT to 85258 ( UK ) 50808 ( ROI )
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