The Considerate Constructors Scheme has teamed up with the Lighthouse Club, the construction industry charity, to promote the charity’s newly launched confidential free helpline service to anyone working in the industry or their close family.
The Construction Industry Helpline will provide 24/7 support on a range of topics including finance, depression, occupational health and wellbeing, illness and bereavement.
The new helpline is funded by the Lighthouse Club, donations from individuals, businesses and organisations in the construction industry and through the purchase of wristbands and posters, and was launched last week at London’s Imperial War Museum.
The Considerate Constructors Scheme is helping to promote the project, by distributing posters which can be displayed in communal areas on sites, and helpline wristbands which come with a free information handout card that can be given to staff. The wristbands cost £2.50 and the posters £7.50, with all profits going to support the scheme.
"Anyone calling will know that they’re speaking to someone who understands the nature of the construction industry and that they can do so in absolute confidence. It’s a welcome development in the industry."
Edward Hardy, Considerate Constructors Scheme
Edward Hardy, chief executive of the Considerate Constructors Scheme, said: “The construction industry has a macho image, but like all sectors of society and as in all industries, people encounter a wide range of professional and personal difficulties and it can be hard to know where to turn to get help.
“Anyone calling will know that they’re speaking to someone who understands the nature of the construction industry and that they can do so in absolute confidence. It’s a welcome development in the industry.”
Bill Hill, chief executive of the Lighthouse Club, said: “This unique helpline will give helpful advice to those facing difficult times as a result of unforeseen circumstances such as illness, accident or bereavement. I like to think of the construction industry as one big family with a duty of care and responsibility to its workers – as considerate constructors. I hope the industry and its workforce will benefit greatly from this worthwhile initiative.”
The Construction Industry Helpline is available 24/7 on 0845 605 1956 and can offer:
- emergency financial aid in times of crisis following an illness, accident, injury or bereavement that forces a family into a state of poverty;
- advice on occupational health and wellbeing issues, as an employee or an employer;
- support and advice for sufferers of stress and addiction-related illnesses;
- advice on matters ranging from divorce to employment;
- advice on specific tax-related issues concerning employment within the construction sector;
- help to manage and reschedule debt;
- help to understand the benefits system and entitlements, especially for carers;
- support on career changes, especially after accident or injury.
