Former builders turned charity advocates visited a Lindum housing development to highlight the support available to those working in the construction industry.

Rob Muldoon and Zak Wilkinson came to site as part of The Lighthouse Charity’s #MakeItVisible campaign, which brings frontline workers valuable guidance through roadshows at construction sites, builder’s merchants, hire centres, and businesses across the UK and Ireland.

During the event, the volunteers shared information about support services and spoke openly about their own experiences receiving help.

Lindum hosted the roadshow as part of its ongoing partnership with Lighthouse, which strengthens employee support while complementing the company’s own policies and procedures.

The pair explained that while mental health support was a crucial part of The Lighthouse Charity’s offering, its services extend far beyond this. The charity provides practical, confidential assistance designed to keep construction workers on their feet and in work during challenging times.

It can offer support with physical health as well as financial support and works with partner organisations to assist with financial planning and establishing manageable payment plans for those facing debt.

In crisis situations, The Lighthouse Charity can step in with emergency support – from accommodation and help with rental deposits to replacing stolen tools that prevent someone from earning a living.

Rob and Zak brought powerful personal perspectives to their talk, both sharing their own experiences with mental health and the challenges of working in construction.

Rob, who works for the charity after they supported him through difficult times, described how easy it is to feel isolated when struggling. ”

Everyone said they were alright, so you think you’re the only one who isn’t.” He emphasised that reaching breaking point shouldn’t be the prerequisite for asking for help and shared how The Lighthouse Charity had been there for him when he needed it most.

The charity’s services are entirely free and confidential – they won’t 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.

When asked about mental health in construction, Rob and Zak acknowledged improvements but noted that stigma remains the biggest barrier. With over 500 construction workers lost to suicide in 2021, they said message is clear: you don’t need to be at crisis point for your problems to matter, no matter how big or small.

“Pride often stops people  from asking for help,” said Zak. “But we’re here to make sure no one has to struggle alone.”

Lindum Co-chair Freddie Chambers said: “We’re pleased to provide Lighthouse with a platform to share its vital messages. It’s important to us that our teams know the support available to them – both through Lindum’s own resources and through partnerships with organisations like Lighthouse.

“Wellbeing matters to everyone, and by raising awareness of these services, we hope to ensure that anyone facing challenges in the industry knows where to turn for help.”

Learn more about Lindum’s approach to mental health and wellbeing.

For anyone in construction needing support, The Lighthouse Charity can be contacted at https://lighthousecharity.org/free-24-7-support/

All services are free, confidential, and available as many times as needed.