Providing Support to the Construction Industry
It’s a disturbing reality that every day, we lose two construction workers to suicide. The demands of the industry make it a difficult one to work in, with it being notoriously challenging both physically and mentally. The long hours, tight deadlines, time away from family, lack of job security and high risk environments being only a few of the factors contributing to the challenges faced by hard hat workers on a daily basis. Data shows that those in the industry are nearly four times more likely to take their own lives than workers in other sectors – it’s hardly a surprise that this has been deemed a ‘silent epidemic’.
Yet despite these alarming facts, there has been a silence surrounding the topic of mental health in the industry. With it being a largely male dominated environment, the ‘macho culture’ runs strong and showing signs of vulnerability is somewhat shunned. It was because of this that a group of gentlemen decided to create something to make a change. The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity was born and has been providing emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to the boots on the ground workers and their families, since 1956.
RRT’s Construction Community Connect campaign was fabricated out of our desire to collaborate with the Lighthouse Constriction Industry Charity to help make a difference to the lives of those in the industry. We have been working with the charity by providing meals at their stand-up days and other events, where attendees are encouraged to access support services and get talking. Sometimes, all people need is a little sustenance to help them open up!
Our support for the charity has also given way to a very exciting new venture for RRT – our own branded sprinter van, fully kitted out with a barista grade coffee machine, fridges and serving space. The van has been kindly donated and sponsored by the team at RVT Group, who are also passionate about protecting the long-term health of individuals. Their support has been invaluable and has allowed us to continue supporting the Lighthouse charity by being a part of their Make it Visible tour. The MIV tour takes place on various construction sites across the country, where health and safety guidance is inducted to workers, followed by a free burger meal and beverages which are enjoyed whilst having access to mental health support. The van will play a significant role in ensuring we can be present at these events and help as many site workers as possible get the help they need, before it’s too late.
Lighthouse 24/7 Helpline – 0345 605 1956 (UK) 1800 939 122 (ROI)
TEXT HARDHAT to 85258 (UK) 50808 (ROI)
