We were contacted by a construction worker who was feeling suicidal and had attempted to take his life. He was unable to work due to a back injury and with no income was unable to pay for his accommodation or his living costs. He had never been in such dire straits and his difficult circumstances had a serious negative impact on his mental health.
Our team immediately carried out a safeguarding assessment because of the immediate distress of the client. We also encouraged him to go to his GP as he said the reduction in pain medication had led to his increased suicidal thoughts.
We arranged emergency food deliveries and utility payments to make an immediate impact on his wellbeing. Counselling sessions were provided to help stabilise his mental health while adult support services were put in place. And we worked to highlight his case with the local council, to tap into further resources to help him.
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The GP reviewed the client’s medication and the counselling we provided resulted in better pain management and the client becoming much calmer and no longer feeling suicidal.
Through the local council we have been able to arrange home support. This includes someone to help with shopping, to help him at home and with adaptations to his home. A dedicated person also helps with applications for disability payments and working rights.
Journey to safety
The client has been on a huge journey and from being on suicide watch when he first approached us for help, he is now in a safe place with ongoing support in place. He has said that “we have literally saved his life”.
Two construction workers are taking their life every day. It is vital that these hard-to-reach groups know about the support we can offer. We are working tirelessly to ensure that we maximise the access points to our charitable services and increase our partnerships with other providers to give our workforce the specialist support they need. Our aim is to fulfil our mission of ensuring that no construction worker or their family feels alone in a crisis.
The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity is the only charity that provides emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to the construction community and their families.
Range of support
The charity provides a 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline. This provides a range of free and confidential support, which is complemented by our free Self Support App. The free text HARDHAT to 85258 service provides another support route, along with Lighthouse Beacons who offer a safe space for people to share concerns.
Our latest campaign, Help Inside the Hard Hat, aims to raise awareness of mental health issues in the construction industry. The campaign has recently taken to the road to deliver the message to the ‘boots on the ground’. The Help Inside the Hard Hat team are all from the trades so they are able to share their lived experiences with poor mental health in a down-to-earth and relatable way.
If you or anyone you know is struggling, reach out for 24/7 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)
Via the website
Sarah Bolton is director of charitable services at the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity
