The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity have launched a free confidential 24/7 helpline and wellbeing app for construction workers in Ireland. Launched on the 3rd of June 2020, the launch is a direct response to ‘the global [Covid-19] pandemic having a negative impact on people’s mental health in society’. The charity have recognised that those in the construction industry who have faced a long lay-off are no exception.
Lighthouse CEO, Bill Hill said of the helpline launch,
“A large proportion of construction workers are either self employed or work for small businesses. They do not have access to an employee assistance programme (EAP) for support.
One of the charity’s key objectives is to reduce suicides of those working in the construction sector. The 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline delivers an EAP to all workers and is complimented by an supporting helpline app. This App is available on both Android and Apple devices and is packed full of information, advice and guidance on mental, physical and financial wellbeing matters.
By making all the services free and confidential, the charity aims to remove two of the key barriers to people seeking help. The final barrier to overcome is the stigma of using such services often inherent in stoic masculine belief.”
Bill Hill
Charity CEO, Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity
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Further, the Irish Government’s Return to Work Safely protocol has advised companies to introduce services to support mental health and well-being.
The Lighthouse Construction Industry charity is partnering with CIF to promulgate the helpline amongst its members.
We’re delighted to partner with the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity on providing this EAP featuring some of Ireland’s leading supports groups to those working in construction. It’s a stressful time for those who have returned to work and companies and employees need to work together to ensure we’re working safely. For the CIF, mental health is inseparable from safety because on sites we all depend on each other to keep safe especially at this time of Covid-19. In the construction industry, we want to mind our workers as they are our greatest resource. This EAP is a great resource for the Lighthouse Club to support workers over coming years.
Dermon Carey
Director of Safety and Training, CIF
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