THE Lighthouse Charity has revealed it set new records in 2024, reaching more people and delivering more support than ever before to construction workers and their families.
The charity’s helpline advisors and caseworkers delivered £4.98 million of support to 5,695 families who reached out for help through the free and confidential helpline and live web chat service.
The charity also supplied 5,712 meals and provided 5,756 counselling sessions to the construction workforce.
Additionally, the #MakeItVisible tour team continued to reach some of the industry’s most vulnerable workers, sharing the message of support with frontline trades. Last year the charity’s team visited 572 sites and started conversations with over 28,000 workers. This initiative introduced 88 workers expressing suicidal thoughts to the #MakeItVisible team. Through starting a conversation, those suicides have been prevented.
Sarah Bolton, CEO of the Lighthouse Charity, said, “This support was delivered against another challenging year with the construction sector being one of the worst hit for company insolvencies. This, alongside continued increases in the cost of materials and the cost of living has added pressure on our construction community.
“The important thing is that people know about us and are reaching out for help. Whether it’s supporting someone through illness or injury, making sure there’s a meal on the table for the family or simply offering a listening ear, the message is simple. If you’re struggling, help is here.
“To ensure that we are meeting the industry’s needs, we are continually improving and growing our charitable services, listening to our communities and extending our message of support beyond the boundaries of the workplace. But our work is only possible thanks to the support of the people in our construction community. Whether it’s organising fundraising days, becoming a company supporter, attending events, or helping us spread the message of support through their supply chains, all of this contributes to us being able to make a life changing and lifesaving impact.
“Our work is continuous and we are looking forward to extending our services and the support we offer even further in 2025.”
If you or anyone you know is struggling, reach out for 24/7 free & confidential support;
24/7 helplines; 0345 605 1956, (UK) 1800 939 122 (ROI)
Live chat www.lighthouseclub.org Text HARDHAT to 85258
Find out more at www.lighthouseclub.org
