The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity is dedicated to the health and wellbeing of construction workers and their families in the UK and Ireland.

In an industry where two workers take their own life every single working day and where stress, depression and anxiety account for a fifth of all work-related illness, the charity said it is already seeing a devastating impact on people.

The charity relies heavily on event income to fund its 24/7 Helpline, but the current COVID-19 pandemic has decimated their national and regional events. So, at a time when the construction community needs supported the most, the charity warned that it simply doesn’t have the resources to be able to respond in the face of this ever-increasing cry for help.

Bill Hill, CEO of the charity, said: “As a result of the coronavirus pandemic the calls to our Construction Industry Helpline are currently increasing by over 25% a week. Many of the calls received are from self-employed tradesmen, agency staff or workers on zero hour contracts who cope from week to week. They are often only one or two paydays away from poverty. They need our help to feed their families and to pay their bills for heating and lighting.”

This is a difficult time for everyone, but the charity hopes that they can count on the industry’s generosity to make sure that no construction workers and their families are left alone in a crisis.

The charity also pledged that not one penny of the crisis fund will be diverted to charity overheads and that every penny donated will reach the people that really need it.

Mr Hill also urged the industry to help spread the word about their 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline and app, adding: “Whether you’re in a position to donate or not, we are here for you. Our 24/7 helpline and app will enable anyone that needs help to access emergency financial support and mental health and wellbeing information and guidance.”

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