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The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, who specialise in providing emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to construction workers and their families, has received a £50,000 donation from the Persimmon Charitable Foundation to support their work.
The funding will go towards the ‘Make it Visible’ site tours, an initiative which sees teams from the Lighthouse Charity visiting building sites across the UK to deliver sessions and promote the invaluable support services they provide.
Last year, the ‘Make it Visible’ team visited 390 sites, engaged with more than 25,000 site workers and had a life-changing and in some cases a life-saving impact on those within the construction industry.
Through simple but crucial conversations, the charity’s team were able to provide immediate support to 147 workers who expressed suicidal thoughts, implementing positive interventions and signposting to expert help.
In 2021, 507 construction workers took their own lives, equating to two workers every day. With this number only rising, the Persimmon Foundation is committed to the playing its role in combating the stigma surrounding suicide and shifting attitudes across the industry.
Sarah Bolton, Chief Operating Officer for the Lighthouse Charity, said
“We are absolutely staggered to hear about this hugely generous donation from The Persimmon Charitable Foundation to support our Make It Visible On Site initiative.
“This means that we are able to reach more of our most vulnerable workers and ensure that we get our message of support to those who may otherwise not know how or where to reach out for help.
“We know that our teams have been able to make a life changing and lifesaving impact with those they meet, and the fundamental success of this initiative is addressing the barriers within the sector through an informal approach, delivered by those with lived experiences.
“This campaign has been hugely successful and incredibly popular, and the donation from the Persimmon Charitable Foundation will enable us to continue and expand this vital programme."
Anthony Vigor, Chair of the Trustees for the Persimmon Charitable Foundation, commented “I am delighted we have the opportunity to support the Lighthouse Club through the Persimmon Charitable Foundation.
“The Lighthouse club is a great charity that has a positive impact on the construction industry through their commitment to raising awareness of and supporting those with mental health challenges.
“Their team of dedicated and knowledgeable professionals are present on building sites across the country to support those in the industry and it is a privilege to support such a great organisation and important cause.”
If you or anyone you know is struggling, reach out for free and confidential support now;
24/7 Construction Industry Helplines; 0345 605 1956, (UK) 1800 939 122 (ROI)
Text HARDHAT to 85258 (UK) 50808 (ROI)