Looking after the mental health of those around you

World Suicide Prevention Day was a global reminder of the importance of mental health.

According to recent statistics from the ONS, 5,583 people lost their lives due to suicide in England and Wales in 2021. In the construction industry, the number of people taking their own lives has increased from 26 per 100,000 seven years ago to 34 per 100,000 people in employment. Mental health issues affect many of us and consequently our families, and friends. It is essential to recognise the signs of mental health issues before it is too late.

The Lighthouse Club Construction Industry Charity is a charity that provides emotional, physical, and financial well-being support to those in the construction community and their families. They are currently offering a Suicide Awareness course to members to help them gain a greater understanding of the common reasons and causes of suicide and signs to look out for if members think somebody is experiencing suicidal thoughts.

For more information about the course, visit the Lighthouse Club’s Wellbeing Academy, where they offer a variety of courses that support everyone in the construction industry.

The TRA supports the Lighthouse Club and its important work to improve mental health in construction. We encourage all TRA members to access the free support tools available via the Lighthouse Club website and build a successful Mental Health culture in your workplace.

Don’t forget, the Lighthouse construction industry helpline can be called for free 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 0345 605 1956 in the UK, or 1800 939 122 in the Republic of Ireland.

Lighthouse also has a free app where workers can access information that can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.