With the Northern Ireland Region of the Lighthouse Charity now fully re-established and hosting regular events, this year’s annual charity lunch saw strong support from the local construction community.
Held in the Grand Ballroom of the Europa Hotel in Belfast on September 12, the event brought together industry professionals to raise funds for a cause that directly supports their own – providing vital emotional, physical and financial wellbeing services to construction workers and their families.
The afternoon included a powerful keynote address from James (Jimmy) Gorry, a health and safety advocate, who shared his life-changing experience following a construction accident. Host Breda McCague facilitated additional discussion with counsellor and former Derry Gaelic footballer Joe Diver, former Irish League footballer and mental health advocate Aaron Smyth and radio presenter and podcaster Cate Conway, who each shared personal stories of resilience and overcoming adversity.
Ciara McKevitt, HR Manager at Gilbert Ash, gave a heartfelt account of the vital support the Lighthouse Charity has provided to its business in recent months. She highlighted the tangible benefits of becoming a company supporter, encouraging others in the industry to get involved and help safeguard the wellbeing of their workforce and explained how hosting the #MakeItVisible On Site team has offered support to her organisation.
Brian Shanks, Northern Ireland Partnerships Manager, delivered a presentation covering the work of the charity, and gave details of how construction employees and their families have been helped – from offering critical incident support to providing a delivery of groceries.
The NI Lighthouse Committee would like to thank everyone involved for their ongoing support and are already looking ahead to the next event!
If you would like to know more about the charity or get involved in any way, please contact: Brian Shanks, Partnerships Manager for Northern Ireland, email brian.shanks@lighthouseclub.org
