THE Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity is fundraising to help construction workers who find themselves struggling with their mental health.

Firms across the western region are encouraged to show their support and donate what they can to the charity, which is the only of its kind to provide emotional, physical and financial well-being support to the construction community.

In 2022 alone, the charity helped 3,421 families through challenging times.

The Somerset-based Western Regional Club of Lighthouse Charity aims to raise £16,000 every year to fund its wellbeing services. Donations and volunteers are greatly appreciated.

Joe Hawkins, Lighthouse Charity secretary and site manager at housebuilder Lovell, said: “We are the industry’s charity and we are here to help with financial, physical or emotional assistance.

"We are collecting more money, distributing more grants and providing more services, especially to support people with mental health."

The western committee includes a wide range of dedicated individuals, such as:

  • Chairman Alan Waterson, a retired contracts manager at Carillion who has served the charity for four decades.
  • Garry Baynham, sales director at Bristol-based hire firm Plantforce.
  • Robbie Davies, director at Bridgwater-based RJD Scaffolding.
  • James Legg, founder of Bristol-based recruiter Leggwork.
  • Paul Onslow, managing director at Taunton-based Amp Access Solutions.
  • Jerome Timbrell, managing director at Highbridge-based consultancy C2 Safety.
  • Justin Waterson, Alan’s son and director at Waterson PS.

Jerome Timbrell said: “We are reinforcing the safety net to stop people falling through it.

"In one case, a young construction worker tragically lost his life and left behind a wife and young children.

"Lighthouse Charity helped out to such an extent that the widow was able to rebuild her life. She later made a donation to the charity. We are changing people’s lives.”

Fundraising events include an annual lunch, held in November, at the DoubleTree Hilton in Congresbury, as well as a summer ball.

Organisers are keen to hear from individuals within the industry in and around Somerset. including Hinkley Point, who can help arrange other fundraising events. This could range from golf days to go-kart races.

One of the campaigns run by the charity includes the #MakeItVisible campaign, focused around tackling the stigma of mental health within the construction industry by providing on-site support.

Anyone who wants to help are urged to consider becoming a company supporter.

For more information, email companysupporter@lighthouseclub.org or visit the charity's website.