Prichard’s marked Mental Health Awareness Week by hosting the Lighthouse Charity’s #MakeItVisible’ on-site team, aiming to raise awareness of the support available to construction workers and their families.
The event, held at Prichard’s Head Office in Llantrisant, saw the company pause operations for a ‘tools down’ afternoon, allowing workshop, yard, and office staff to engage with representatives from the Lighthouse Charity.
The #MakeItVisible team shared personal stories and experiences in a powerful talk, encouraging conversations about mental health and promoting wellbeing within the construction industry.
The initiative specifically targets frontline workers, encouraging open discussions around mental health and highlighting the resources available through the charity. These include emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing support accessible via a free and confidential helpline, live chat service, and mobile app.
Staff at Prichard’s also had the opportunity to speak one-on-one with the charity’s team, providing a safe space to discuss any concerns or challenges they may be facing.
The initiative aligns with Prichard’s’ commitment to promoting mental health awareness and providing resources to ensure the wellbeing of its staff. The company recognises the pressures faced by construction workers and aims to support them through partnerships with organisations like the Lighthouse Charity.
Chris Goodfield, Contracts Director at Prichard’s said, “It’s really important that our teams know about the support that is available and how to reach out for that support. We always focus on our employees’ wellbeing but a visit from the Lighthouse Charity’s ‘MakeItVisible team during Mental Health Awareness Week was particularly poignant. Our ‘tools down’ afternoon ensured that our whole team had the opportunity to speak with the charity’s team and share any concerns. In addition to championing wellbeing within Prichard’s, as a volunteer for the charity’s South Wales Region, I heard first hand about the incredible support they deliver and the difference they make to our community.”
Last year, this initiative saw the #MakeItVisible team start conversations with 88 workers who expressed suicidal thoughts, but as a direct result of reaching out, those people were directed to immediate support and safeguarding.
