In the fast-paced and often high-pressure world of construction, the wellbeing of workers can too easily be overlooked. Long hours, physically demanding labour, tight deadlines, and financial insecurity can all take a heavy toll and, when combined, these pressures can push people into crisis.
That's why we are taking the opportunity to shine a spotlight on The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, the only organisation 100% dedicated to supporting the construction community across the UK and Ireland.
Their mission is simple yet powerful: to ensure that no construction worker or their family ever feels alone in a crisis. Through free, confidential, and round-the-clock emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing support, they are transforming lives across the industry one call, one site visit, one conversation at a time.
The Lighthouse Charity traces its roots back to 1956, when a group of construction professionals attending a Ministry of Public Buildings & Works exhibition in Whitley Bay pledged to create a beacon for those in need within the industry.
Today, that vision has evolved into a modern, multi-faceted charity that provides free and confidential support across three core pillars: emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing.
Lighthouse’s support is built to be holistic and accessible, meeting people wherever they are- on the phone, online, or on site. Here’s a breakdown of their principal services and programmes:
Because wellbeing is more than mental health, Lighthouse also supports:
The charity’s 2024 Impact Report tells a story of growth, compassion, and measurable change. Over the past year, more workers have reached out for help- with a 29% increase in support requests, resulting in 5,696 families receiving vital assistance.
In total, Lighthouse delivered over £5 million in charitable support, handled more than 11,000 helpline calls, and delivered 5,761 counselling and mentoring sessions. They delivered 5,684 family meals and engaged 28,070 site operatives.
Behind each number is a story of hope- a tradesman overcoming addiction, a joiner’s family rebuilding life after a stroke, a survivor of domestic abuse finding safety and confidence, or a worker finally breaking free from isolation. The Lighthouse Charity doesn't just respond to crises; it restores dignity, stability, and belief in a better tomorrow.
Mental health stigma remains one of construction’s biggest challenges- but Lighthouse is changing that, one site at a time.
Through the #MakeItVisible On Site campaign, dedicated teams travel across the UK & Ireland, visiting construction sites, hire yards, and offices to start open conversations about wellbeing. In 2024, they visited 574 sites and engaged directly with over 28,000 workers.
These visits save lives. Last year, 88 workers disclosed suicidal thoughts to the team- and each one was immediately connected to professional support and follow-up care.
Team members often share their own lived experiences, making these sessions relatable and authentic. As one industry partner put it:
“The #MakeItVisible tour is incredible. Its honest, down to earth, and full of real- life experiences that people can truly relate to.”
Beyond crisis intervention, Lighthouse is helping to reshape construction’s culture through education. The Wellbeing Academy offers free and subsided training to help individuals and organisations build resilience and awareness.
In 2024 alone, more than 4,700 learners completed courses. Topics range from Mental Health First Aid, Suicide Awareness, and Managing Mental Health in the Workplace, to Menopause Awareness, Resilience Building, and Financial Wellbeing.
These programmes empower workers to look out for one another, foster empathy, and create safer, more supportive environments across and levels of the industry.
Construction is an inherently risky sector. Its demanding, unpredictable, and often isolating. Many workers face short-term contracts, long commutes, or financial instability. Add to this the physical toll of labour and the cultural stigma around seeking help- and the result can be devastating.
Lighthouse breaks through these barriers. It offers a hand when pride, fear, or lack of access might otherwise stop someone reaching out. It reminds us that asking for help is not a weakness, but a strength.
As Sarah Bolton, CEO of the Lighthouse Charity, explains:
“Emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing are intrinsically linked- and we’re here to help our community build healthy, sustainable futures.”
Lighthouse receives no government funding- every helpline call, counselling session, or rescue is made possible by donations, partnerships, and fundraising within the industry.
Here’s how companies and individuals can help:
If you or someone you know works in construction and is struggling, remember- help is here.
Together, we can build a safer, stronger, and more compassionate construction industry- one where no worker ever has to face a crisis alone.
