“My journey began in the construction industry after leaving school, where I got an apprenticeship as a bricklayer. Spending most of my time on new build housing sites, I gained firsthand experience of the challenges faced by construction workers.

Earlier in my career, I battled anxiety and depression, reaching a point where I felt suicidal and unable to share my struggles. Fortunately, a family intervention prompting me to seek help which ultimately saved my life.

The effectiveness of the #MakeItVisible visits lies in our personal approach. When we first arrive on site, initial perceptions of why we are there can sometimes mean that we are met with scepticism. But our talks quickly resonate with individuals as they realise that we completely understand and identify with the struggles they face. We mirror the audience, and I know that when I share my own struggles, they are the same experiences shared by many listening. This creates an environment where it’s acceptable to talk and that no problem is too large or too small. We reassure people that it’s okay to ask for help and we talk about the valuable support the Lighthouse Charity offers and that it is completely free and confidential.

During our visits, we encounter a variety of challenges that workers in our industry face, including the high cost of living, addiction, family pressures and the resulting emotional strain. After our team talk, individuals often open up to us and share their personal experiences. Issues they may not have divulged to even their closest friends or family. I believe this openness is due to the rapport established when we share our own struggles, demonstrating vulnerability and a willingness to discuss our emotions, a rarity in the construction industry.

Sharing our own experiences regularly can be emotionally draining but we have an incredibly supportive team; we always work in pairs, allowing us to debrief and provide mutual support in the van after challenging days.

Several industry specific factors contribute to the troubling statistics in this otherwise great industry. Recently, we’ve witnessed significant increases in material costs, poorly costed projects, and unrealistic payment terms imposed on the supply chain. These factors undoubtedly create a highly pressurised, stressful environment, affecting everyone involved. Having transitioned into management roles within the industry in recent years, I’ve experienced pressures from both project management teams and frontline workers. While the industry is known for its adaptability and embrace of new technologies, it seems that over the past decade, there has been a substantial increase in expectations placed on workers.

To help address this, the Lighthouse Charity delivers a holistic approach to wellbeing and as well as reducing the stigma of talking about our emotional wellbeing, we are also focusing on physical and financial wellbeing too. There is more emphasis on topics such as self-care, nutrition, work-life balance, budgeting, and addiction awareness.”

The construction industry is unique; it becomes a part of you. I hold a deep appreciation for both the industry itself and the remarkable individuals working within it. The characters we  encounter on the sites are unparalleled! The industry is known for its camaraderie, great earning potential, and opportunities to travel and work on exciting projects. We are making progress with improving the wellbeing culture of our industry and it is immensely rewarding to be part of a team helping others to feel comfortable and safe in sharing their own issues.  We must all play our part by simply offering a listening ear to those who may be struggling!