As part of their ‘Make it Visible’ tour, Ian Williams, a PDA member, was delighted to welcome Lighthouse, their Charity of the Year to their Plymouth offices. The business has nominated Lighthouse to support their work in addressing mental health in the construction industry and the event provided an opportunity to spread awareness of health and wellbeing support available, a commitment that is central to Ian Williams’ strategy.
The visit was led by Lighthouse representatives Lee Anderson and Andy Bishop, who delivered an informal talk to everyone on site. Drawing on their own lived experiences of mental health challenges within the construction industry, the pair encouraged open and honest conversations amongst the team.
Jason Gorin, Ian Williams’ People Director comments:
“Having the ‘Make It Visible’ team visit one of our sites is an important milestone in building our relationship with the charity who have already supported us with training over 30 colleagues in Mental Health First Aid. With several visits booked to our other sites, our aim is to roll this out across the whole business. Hearing Lee and Andy sharing their own lived experience was incredibly powerful.
“With shocking statistics showing that every single working day in the UK, two construction workers take their own lives, and every year there are over 82,000 work-related illnesses directly contributed to working in the sector, we want to do as much as we can do to help.
“The ‘Make it Visible’ campaign is brilliant. It’s aimed directly at frontline construction workers and raises awareness of the free, confidential support provided through the Lighthouse Charity, including importantly, a 24/7 Helpline offering free and confidential support to anyone who works in the construction sector. In addition, people can access a free self-support app, counselling, financial support and help with illness and legal advice, with services extended to families too.
“Ian Williams’ partnership with Lighthouse reflects our ongoing focus on doing as much as we can to support our teams and maintain a high welfare culture at Ian Williams. In parallel, we’re looking forward to raising even more funds for the charity across the business, supporting their unique vision that no construction worker or their family should ever be alone in a crisis.”
Sarah Bolton, CEO of the Lighthouse Charity added:
“We are delighted to have Ian Williams’ on board as Company Supporters. Not only are they supporting us financially, their pro-active stance on promoting a positive mental health culture will ensure that their teams know how to reach out for support if they need it and encourage open conversations where people feel supported.”
For more information on Ian Williams, visit: www.ianwilliams.co.uk
If you or anyone you know is struggling, reach out for 24/7 free and confidential support now;
- 24/7 helplines; 0345 605 1956, (UK) 1800 939 122 (ROI)
- Live chat lighthouseclub.org
- Text HARDHAT to 85258
Find out more at www.lighthouseclub.org
