Joshua 36 | North West | 15–20 years in the construction industry
In 2019, Joshua, a Fencing Team Leader, suffered a serious workplace accident involving a nail gun. The accident left him living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and Hemicrania Continua, causing ongoing chronic pain and changing many aspects of his life.
Despite the challenges, Joshua was determined not to let his injuries define him. He worked hard to remain in employment, continued developing professionally and gained further qualifications as he built a career in health and safety.
For Joshua, staying in work was about more than earning a living. It was a way of proving to himself that his injuries had not beaten him.
After a TUPE transfer (Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment) and lengthy consultation process, he found himself facing redundancy at a time when his health had already deteriorated significantly.
The uncertainty surrounding his employment added to the pressure he was already experiencing, while the loss of income created immediate financial worries for Joshua and his family. During this difficult period, the Construction Workers’ Charitable Trust (CWCT) advised Joshua to contact the Lighthouse Charity for further support.
Joshua was connected with our caseworker, who immediately began looking at ways Lighthouse Charity could help. We provided support with food shopping for his family and secured £1,000 of financial assistance towards the cost of an NVQ Level 6 in Health & Safety.
The financial support helped ease some of the immediate pressure, while the training gave Joshua the opportunity to continue developing his career and improve his future employment prospects.
For Joshua, the support went beyond the financial assistance. “From our very first conversation, I was treated as a person rather than simply another case. He listened without judgement, understood the challenges I was facing and immediately started looking at ways the charity could help.”
Joshua has now started his NVQ Level 6 course and is looking positively towards the future. His aim is to complete the qualification and find a new role offering greater job security, while continuing to build a career in health and safety.
The support from Lighthouse Charity gave Joshua some much needed breathing space at a time when he was dealing with financial pressure, his health and the responsibility of supporting his family.
“The support reduced some of the immediate financial pressure, allowed me to focus on my family and my health, and reminded me that there are organisations within our industry that genuinely care about the wellbeing of construction workers and their families.”
Joshua has always tried to remain independent and says asking for help has never come naturally to him. His experience has shown him that reaching out for support is not a sign of weakness.
“I hope that by sharing my experience, others working within the construction industry who find themselves struggling – whether financially, physically or mentally, will realise that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. There are people who care, there is support available, and organisations like the Lighthouse Charity can make a genuine difference when it is needed most.”
With practical financial support and help to continue his professional development, Joshua is now looking ahead to completing his qualification, securing a new role and building a more secure future for himself and his family.
Are you facing similar challenges to Joshua? Reach out before your situation escalates. Help is here – call our free 24/7 helpline 0345 605 1956 (UK) 1800 939 122 (ROI) or 1:1 online chat with one of our advisors at www.lighthousecharity.org
