Construction workers will now get access to new mental health support after statistics found two people in the industry take their own life every working day.
Thousands of workers will be able to speak to independent people with lived experiences offering emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support at the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity (Lighthouse Club).
Kier UK has become an annual Company Supporter of the charity meaning all colleagues and people working within Kier’s wider supply chain will have access to support when they need it.
Kier Group’s Health, Safety, Wellbeing and Sustainability Director Chris Lilley said: “We want to ensure our people and supply chain go home safely every day.
“By looking after the wellbeing of our people and those from our valued supply chain, we’re supporting them to bring their best selves to work and encouraging them to make safe decisions.
“By supporting the construction charity, the Lighthouse Club, we’re ensuring our people and supply chain have direct and immediate access to support that is adapted to their needs, tackling issues they may be facing and giving them the best support possible.
“At Kier, we prioritise wellbeing in the same way as health and safety. We currently provide mental health support through a network of over 500 mental health first aiders and our employee assistance programme.”
Statistics, following research by the Lighthouse Club, also show over 20% of work-related absence in the construction industry is caused by stress, anxiety, or depression.
The support available includes a 24/7 confidential helpline with free translation for any language, a free text support service and a network of over 350 Lighthouse Beacons which utilise existing support groups to offer a safe space to share and socialise.
Kier UK is also delivering joint webinars and toolbox talks alongside the Lighthouse Club for operative and management colleagues, to help raise awareness of the support available.
Bill Hill, CEO of the Lighthouse Club, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have Kier on board as a Company Supporter.
“It’s vital that every level of our construction community knows that we have a huge variety of free and easily-accessible wellbeing support, and we are really looking forward to working together to help improve our workforce wellbeing.”
Additional support the charity offers includes a variety of free construction-focussed training programmes ranging from self-paced e-learning, tutor led online masterclasses and MHFA England accredited Mental Health First Aider courses.
