According to data from the Office for National Statistics, construction workers are nearly four times more likely to take their own lives than workers in other sectors. This alarming statistic points to a significant issue that needs to be addressed immediately.

As an industry, we need to do more to help and support our workforce and their families, and the Lighthouse Club is committed to this.

The Lighthouse Club charity

The Lighthouse Club is the only charity that provides emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing support to the construction community and their families.

The construction industry has created some of the world’s iconic buildings and infrastructure projects.  While physical safety measures are taken to protect workers, the industry has been whispering – instead of shouting – about mental health. That’s why Lighthouse Charity has created a free portal, Make It Visible, for welfare and well-being support. The portal offers instant access to information, advice, guidance, and a pathway to free support.

The charity offers a wide range of free and widely available proactive resources to support the industry and has been doing great work raising awareness about mental health issues in the construction industry.

Why it matters

The construction industry workforce and their families face various challenges that must be addressed and supported.

According to data highlighted on the Lighthouse Club website, work-related illnesses such as stress, anxiety, and depression account for 20% of all illnesses, and the construction sector has a share of more than 46% of occupational cancer cases. These issues not only affect the individuals but also their families. The charity is committed to providing support in these areas and more.

Highlighting these issues not only within the construction industry, but also the wider community, can only result in more open conversations around mental health, and is something that Eden Facades is keen to support.

We’re proud to be Company Supporters

At Eden Facades, we take the safety and wellbeing of our staff very seriously. We recognise the importance of mental health in the workplace and are committed to supporting our employees’ mental well-being and that of the wider construction community.

That’s why we’re proud to be Company Supporters of the Lighthouse Club. As a supporter, our contribution allows for the charity to have a predictable and sustainable income, allowing them to extend their charitable services and reach more people in need of support. There will also be training opportunities available for all Eden Facades team members with courses including a Mental Health First Aid Awareness course and CPDs.

In addition, we are putting together a program for our whole team, with a focus on being proactive rather than reactive. Terry Box, SHEQ Manager at Eden Facades, is in the process of training to become a mental health first aider. Commenting on supporting the charity and the Eden Facades team, Terry said:

“The alarming data around construction workers and mental health calls for urgent action. That’s why I’m currently working towards becoming a mental health first aider, and working alongside Tony Hill (Managing Director at Eden Facades) to put processes in place to support the Eden Facades team.

“Not only are we committed to supporting our team, but by supporting the Lighthouse Club charity, we are contributing to the larger community’s wellbeing and making a positive difference in the lives of many people. As Company Sponsors, there will be training and resources available for all Eden Facades team members, too.”

If you’d like to know more about the charity or would like any more information on the support available to the construction community, visit www.lighthouseclub.org. Alternatively, if you’d like to better understand how we support our staff’s wellbeing, please feel free to get in touch.