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The Lighthouse Charity, dedicated to supporting the construction industry’s workforce and their families, has delivered record-breaking levels of assistance in 2024, reflecting its pivotal role in promoting wellbeing across the sector.
Over the past year, the charity provided £4.98 million in charitable support to 5,695 families through its free, confidential helpline and live web chat service.
Alongside emotional and financial aid, the organisation also delivered 5,712 meals and facilitated 5,756 counselling sessions to help individuals navigate personal and professional challenges.
The charity’s #MakeItVisible initiative continued its impactful outreach, focusing on vulnerable frontline workers. In 2024, the team visited 572 construction sites, engaging directly with more than 28,000 site workers.
Crucially, they intervened in 88 cases where workers expressed suicidal thoughts, successfully preventing potential tragedies through conversation and ongoing support.
Reflecting on the charity’s achievements, Sarah Bolton, CEO of the Lighthouse Charity, highlighted the challenges the construction sector faced in 2024.
“This support was delivered against another challenging year, with the construction sector being one of the worst hit for company insolvencies,” she said. “The rising cost of materials and the cost of living have added additional pressure on our construction community.”
She continued, “The important thing is that people know about us and are reaching out for help. Whether it’s supporting someone through illness or injury, ensuring there’s a meal on the table, or simply offering a listening ear, the message is simple: If you’re struggling, help is here.”
Bolton praised the construction community for its role in enabling the charity’s life-changing work, from fundraising events to corporate support and spreading awareness through supply chains.
Looking ahead to 2025, the charity is committed to expanding its services further. “Our work is continuous, and we are looking forward to extending the support we offer even further in 2025,” Bolton said.
The Lighthouse Charity’s efforts underline the importance of prioritising wellbeing in an industry often defined by its physical and emotional demands. With its unwavering commitment, the charity has not only set new records in support but also provided a lifeline to thousands in need.
