Welfare advocates have visited a Lindum Homes housing development to raise awareness about the support available to construction industry workers and their families.
Sam Warner and Andy Bishop brought Lighthouse’s #MakeItVisible campaign roadshow to the site in Station Road, Waddington, where they met a range of Lindum people, including apprentices, site trades, office staff and managing directors.
During the event, Sam and Andy shared their personal stories of emotional, physical and financial challenges they have overcome after contacting the charity.
They also discussed higher rates of suicide and poor mental health in construction compared to other industries, and handed out cards signposting to phone, text and online support.
Sam, a roofer by trade, said he contacted Lighthouse after his best friend’s death triggered mental health problems he had masked for many years.
He said: “Mental health is in everyone – it’s just how you feel and how you behave.
“Sometimes life is all right. Sometimes you and the missus are getting on, you have a couple of quid in the bank, you’ve booked a holiday and your dodgy knee is not playing up.
“Sometimes life is not all right. Sometimes things get on top of you. Sometimes it’s just hard work, raising a family, paying bills, your bad knee, the winter weather.
“Lighthouse is a support service for you and your family.”
Sam urged all those at the talk to photograph the Lighthouse contact information card for safe keeping on their phones.
He said: “In 2021, the construction industry lost 507 people to suicide. That’s nearly four times higher than other sectors.
“Why do you think that is? It’s because we don’t talk. It’s a permanent solution to something that’s only a temporary problem.
“This magic card is the finest bit of PPE you can have. Free and confidential support is available 24/7.”
Andy, a health and safety trainer, who had spiralling debt and poor physical health, said his managing director suggested he contact Lighthouse for support.
“He had attended a Lighthouse talk and because of his awareness of wellbeing, he noticed something about me, that I was not being me,” said Andy.
“He gave me one of these Lighthouse cards. At the time, that felt like an insult. I sat on that card for a long time, then eventually I called and said the hardest words: ‘I need help.’.”
Andy added that with Lighthouse’s support, he was able to manage his debt and make lifestyle changes to improve his health.
Simon Pickwell, site manager at Waddington, said he fully supports increasing wellbeing awareness and support.
He said: “We all have a responsibility to look after each other.”
Lindum Group has renewed its partnership with Lighthouse, The Construction Charity, and makes an annual donation to support its valuable work.
Lindum HR Adviser Donna Rowland-Tait said: “This year marks eight years since we first launched a dedicated campaign to address the unique challenges of the construction industry when it comes to mental health, with a pledge to tackle the stigma, foster open conversation and psychological safety and ensure support is available to anyone who needs it.
“Our ongoing efforts support the commitments of the Building Mental Health Charter, a cross-industry framework spearheaded by Lighthouse and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and signed by Lindum Group and hundreds of organisations.”
How to contact Lighthouse
For anyone in construction needing support, Lighthouse can be contacted at Home – Lighthouse Charity
All services are free, confidential, and available as many times as needed. The charity will not inform employers unless requested.
Support ranges from setting up therapy sessions to practical upskilling opportunities, including funded courses and help obtaining essential qualifications like CSCS cards and machinery tickets. There’s no limit on how many times someone can access support.
