Promoting Wellbeing in Construction: The #MakeItVisible Initiative
The construction industry, vital to building infrastructure and communities, often presents significant challenges to the mental, physical, and financial wellbeing of its workforce. Recognizing this, initiatives like #MakeItVisible, led by The Lighthouse Charity and supported by companies like Elliott Group, are working to foster a culture of support and open conversation on construction sites across Ireland and the UK.
Addressing Wellbeing in a Demanding Industry
Construction is inherently a demanding profession. Elliott Group’s collaboration with The Lighthouse Charity aims to directly address the wellbeing of its workforce and the wider industry. The #MakeItVisible On Site initiative brings experienced tradespeople to construction sites to share their personal experiences with mental health, physical wellbeing, and site safety. Elliott Group captured a video of the charity’s team speaking within a live construction environment, emphasizing support and awareness.
The #MakeItVisible Initiative: Reaching Vulnerable Workers
The #MakeItVisible initiative focuses on reaching workers who may be struggling in silence. Ambassadors like Fergus Farrell and Sam Wilson engage with construction teams, encouraging them to prioritize their mental health and seek help when needed. Farrell highlighted the importance of recognizing that strength isn’t solely physical, but also the courage to admit vulnerability and ask for support. LinkedIn posts from Farrell emphasize the need to change the culture within the industry to prioritize mental wellbeing.
Lighthouse Charity: Comprehensive Support Services
The Lighthouse Charity provides 24/7 holistic support to the construction community in Ireland and the UK, covering emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing. Their services include:
- 24/7 Helpline: A free and confidential helpline offering information, guidance, and support.
- Live Web Chat & Text Facility: Accessible support through online and mobile channels.
- Self-Support App: A free app providing self-help resources.
- Lighthouse Beacons: Safe spaces for individuals to share concerns.
As Sarah Bolton, CEO of the Lighthouse Charity, stated, the partnership with Elliott Group aims to raise awareness of available support and reinforce the message that individuals are not alone.
Industry-Wide Commitment to Wellbeing
Companies like Clancy Construction are also actively promoting wellbeing initiatives, welcoming representatives from The Lighthouse Charity to speak with their teams about physical, mental, and financial health. Related reading