Every single day in the UK, two construction workers will take their own life.
Let’s think about that number. In just a year, that’s more than 700 people left without someone to grow old with. Perhaps 1,000 children without a parent. More than 700 households facing life without an income. And around 700 teams in shock about the colleague who ‘seemed okay’.
And that’s before we even consider the utter despair that brought that person to consider suicide as the best option. Help is out there, and at QEM we’re doing our own small bit to make sure everyone knows.
The Lighthouse Club
We believe that every life matters. That’s why we’re supporting the Lighthouse Club, a charity that takes care of the emotional, physical and financial wellbeing of construction workers and their families.
Founded in 1956, this is a charity that that goes above and beyond the work of many others. They provide the following crucial support systems:
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A helpline for construction workers, their families and anyone who might be worried about someone in the industry. Access it here: CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY HELPLINE - Home
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Emergency financial aid to construction workers and their families. Last year, they supported 2,399 families in crisis Need Help - CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY HELPLINE
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A free app, providing vital guidance on topics like stress, anxiety, depression, anger and suicidal thoughts (Helpline App - CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY HELPLINE)
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Mental Health and Wellbeing Training, including certification in Mental Health First Aid (Mental Health and Wellbeing Training - Lighthouse Club)
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Masterclasses to help workers manage their lifestyle, from coping with stress, to budgeting, meditation, resilience and sleep deprivation (Masterclasses - Lighthouse Club)
How we can all be part of the solution
While pledging financial support for the Lighthouse Club is a great first step, at QEM we know we can always do more. Next time someone on your site seems more distracted than usual, take a moment to ask how they’re feeling. And don’t let ‘fine’ be the end of the conversation. By giving someone your full attention, and by listening without judgment, you might just save a life. Or even two.
Because two lives a day is two too many.