Of those calls, 629 were from families needing financial assistance and gave them £1.254m in financial support, an increase of 75% on the previous 12 months.
Of the remaining people that called the helpline,1,033 were given advice and support on issues ranging from mental wellbeing issues to legal, debt management and taxation advice.
Last year, the charity also launched a free mental health app – called the Construction Industry Helpline app – which provides vital information, advice and guidance on many wellbeing topics including stress, anxiety, depression, anger and suicidal thoughts.
“On the positive side, the 2018 figures show that we are reaching out to more construction workers and their families, but it also means that too many of them find themselves in desperate situations,” said charity Chief Executive, Bill Hill.
“The significant escalation in families needing our support has taken us by surprise and has put pressure on our finances. With two construction workers taking their own life every single working day, and stress, depression, and anxiety accounting for a fifth of all work-related illness, it’s vital that we continue to provide our helpline services and put additional funding into the construction industry’s dedicated and volunteer led, Building Mental Health programme.
“But the only way that we can plan ahead is with predictable income. That’s why we launched our Company Supporters initiative and our ‘Save a Life’ campaign. We’re urging companies to pledge a regular annual donation to ensure the long-term sustainability of our valuable charitable services. If you’re reading this and wondering how your company can make a difference, then here’s how to get involved.”
To access the helpline’s team of experts, call the Construction Industry Helpline on 0345 605 1956 or visit www.constructionindustryhelpline.com.
