HOUSEBUILDER Cala has pledged support for two charities in its 150th anniversary year.
This will be Cala’s sixth year of support for Samaritans, with the team aiming to reach a milestone £1 million in fundraising and donations to the charity since 2020. The partnership launched following Samaritans’ call for better mental and emotional health support for middle-aged men. Last year alone, Cala’s total donations helped to recruit and train 1,449 new Samaritans listening volunteers.
The housebuilder has also become a company supporter for Lighthouse, pledging £50,000 to the organisation, which is dedicated to the emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing of construction workers and their families. As part of the partnership, Cala’s 250-strong site management team can receive bespoke mental health awareness training. Additionally, all Cala employees and subcontractor colleagues will have access to Lighthouse’s Wellbeing Academy for free mental health and wellbeing training.
The charity will host #MakeItVisible site tours across a number of Cala sites, during which teams from Lighthouse deliver sessions and promote the support services on offer.
Kevin Whitaker, chief executive of Cala Homes, said, “We’re incredibly proud to continue our support for Samaritans and embark on this new partnership with Lighthouse. Both partnerships are not only funding crucial suicide prevention services but are also empowering and equipping our teams with vital skills and resources.
“Our long-standing relationship with Samaritans has laid a strong foundation of wellbeing support and tools across the Cala business and our teams will continue to benefit from the guidance and fundraising opportunities this partnership offers. The introduction of Lighthouse adds a layer of highly targeted support, focused on our site-based employees and contractors, where it is often needed most.”
Sonya Trivedy, executive director of external engagement at Samaritans, added, “For the last five years, Cala colleagues have shown incredible dedication in supporting Samaritans’ work – whether that be through fundraising, lending their skills to improve branches, or raising awareness of our vital services. We are delighted that Cala have chosen to celebrate their 150th anniversary by extending our partnership for another year so we can continue to improve mental health in the construction industry and ensure fewer people die by suicide.”
Sarah Bolton, CEO of Lighthouse Charity, commented, “We are delighted to have the support of Cala as a Company Supporter of the Lighthouse Charity. Their pledge is invaluable in supporting the emotional, physical and financial wellbeing of construction workers and their families. Moreover, their pro-active stance on promoting a positive wellbeing culture will ensure that their teams know how to reach out for support if they need it and encourage open conversations where people feel supported.”
The announcement comes as Cala celebrates its 150th anniversary, having been established in Aberdeen as a land management company in 1875. Going on to build homes since 1976, Cala said the anniversary provides an opportunity to recognise its heritage and future, and the positive impact the business has had, and continues to have, on people and communities across the UK.
