By Sarah Bolton, Lighthouse Charity CEO
The people behind the numbers
For those that follow our charity news, you will already know that earlier this week we announced an unprecedented increase in demand for our charitable services. The word unprecedented is often overused, but every week I hear stories from our construction workers and their families that would have seemed unimaginable just a few years ago. I can categorically say that our construction community is struggling like never before.
To recap on the headlines, we’ve seen a 51% increase in the number of families reaching out for our support in the first seven months of this year compared to last year. We’re having to provide working families with food shops to help them make ends meet, we’re funding more counselling sessions than ever before and we’re plugging the growing gap left by stretched statutory rights and provisions.
Everything is connected
I’ve emphasised many times that all aspects of emotional, physical and financial wellbeing are intrinsically linked. Without early intervention, issues can quickly spiral out of control, and the worst possible outcome is that someone feels that they, and everyone around them would be better off if they weren’t around.
That’s hard enough to write, let alone talk about. But talking and taking positive action is exactly what we must do.
We know the challenges. Now we need solutions
We already understand the challenges of the industry; physically demanding roles, long hours, job uncertainty, a transient workforce and the feeling from many that they still need to wear an emotional mask to get through the day. Research has helped us understand the scale and causes of the problem but what we need now is greater investment in the practical support and interventions we already know can save lives.
As a charity, our actions are twofold, both proactive and reactive.
Conversations that save lives
One of our most successful ‘actions’ in this area is our #MakeItVisible on site initiative which continues to save lives every week. Our team visit sites across the UK and Ireland talking about their own hard hitting and relatable lived experiences. At the end of each session, workers have an opportunity to speak with our team in a safe and confidential space. This is the game changer – the time when the site operatives find the courage to speak up for the first time. So far this year our team have spoken to 40 workers who expressed suicidal thoughts. Simply through having a conversation and being listened to, those people were given immediate support through our helpline at a point of extreme crisis.
Giving people the confidence to act
We’re also equipping our workforce with the skills to be able to spot the signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviour through our free suicide awareness courses. This gives people the confidence to approach and talk to someone at risk. This is key. Starting a conversation can feel daunting but you really don’t need to be a counsellor, mental health first aider or any kind of expert. It’s about really listening to someone without judgement. People shouldn’t feel that they have to solve anyone’s problems or have all the answers. It’s about human connection, showing you care and signposting someone to professional help. That conversation can save a life.
Problems rarely arrive one at a time
Our current World Suicide Prevention Day campaign focuses on the importance of taking action and highlights the role we all need to play in suicide prevention. Problems rarely come in isolation and it may be one large issue that someone is dealing with, or it could be a thousand small stressors, all delicately balanced.
One simple moment of human connection can save a life
Asking twice whether someone is OK, or chatting about the weather is such an easy thing to do. These worldwide and national campaigns create incredible awareness around important subjects, but as we are always saying, this is what our charity does every day. This is what we want everyone to do every day. We must never underestimate the power of our collective force.
Help is available 24 hours a day
Our message remains consistent; we want people to reach out early, before the small stressors escalate into larger ones. And there really isn’t any situation that our helpline team haven’t already dealt with. No issue is too small or large.
To respond to the needs of the industry we’ve extended and enhanced our frontline charitable services even further. Our helpline has always been available 24/7 and now our 1:1 online chat is also available 24/7. In addition to this our Lighthouse Charity app has also been developed with safeguarding as a priority and if a user discloses suicidal thoughts, self-harm or severe emotional distress, the app immediately responds with emergency guidance and directs individuals to our helpline team for specialist intervention.
Don’t wait for someone else
Suicide prevention isn’t the responsibility of someone else. We all have a role to play.
This World Suicide Prevention Day, don’t wait for someone else to ask the question, ”Are you okay?” Start the conversation. Listen without judgement and help someone find support.
One conversation really can save a life.
If you or anyone you know is struggling, reach out for 24/7 free and confidential support;
24/7 Helplines; 0345 605 1956, (UK) 1800 939 122 (ROI)
24/7 1:1 Online chat is accessible via the charity’s website www.lighthousecharity.org and through the Lighthouse Charity app.
