Randstad UK and Ireland continues to shine a light on mental health issues faced within the construction industry by signing up to be a company supporter of the Lighthouse Charity in 2024-25.
The Lighthouse Charity is uniquely positioned as the only charity dedicated to providing emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to the construction community and their families.
They offer a free and confidential 24/7 helpline, live web chat service and text facility which provides a range of information, guidance and support on a huge variety of wellbeing issues. These services are complemented by their free self-support app, along with their Lighthouse Beacons who provide a safe space for people to share concerns.
Randstad’s Construction, Property and Engineering (CP&E) team places more than 2,500 temporary workers every week - and more than 2,400 permanent employees in the last 18 months - into a wide range of permanent and contractor roles within the construction industry across the UK and Ireland.
For many years Randstad has lent its financial support to the charity by taking part in fundraising activities (with £6,000 raised already this year) and making an annual donation by signing up to be a continuing company supporter and promoter of the organisation.
In 2025, to further promote mental wellbeing, Randstad will feature the charity's helpline number on annual wall planners distributed across over 3,500 construction sites nationwide. This initiative aims to ensure that workers have easy access to crucial resources and support services.
Recognising the severity of mental ill health, Randstad CPE published concerning statistics following a survey of 3,400 construction workers in 2017. The report revealed that more than a third (34%) said that they had experienced a mental health condition within the previous 12 months, and that their mental health was prompting them to consider changing careers.
Randstad's 2024 Workmonitor construction data revealed that 46% of workers would reject a job that negatively impacts their work-life balance, while 50% would quit if it hindered their enjoyment of life.
Additionally, mental health support ranks as a critical factor for 88% of employees when considering current or future employment opportunities. These findings highlight the urgent need for increased awareness and resources dedicated to mental health in the workplace.
Tessa Hollingworth, Managing Director of Randstad CPE, said: “With construction workers three times more likely to take their own life than the wider population* so it’s vital we encourage people to open up about mental health issues, which affect one in four people in the UK.
“We're honoured to help those in need of expert advice through our continued support of the Lighthouse Charity. It’s heartwarming to know that our contribution to the charity will assist the recovery of construction workers dealing with a variety of poor wellbeing issues.”
Sarah Bolton, CEO of the Lighthouse Charity, said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to the Randstad team for their continued support as a company supporter and for the fantastic fundraising efforts. In addition to this, their proactive stance in promoting our charitable services continues to open conversations around positive wellbeing and helps to create a supportive working environment for everyone in our industry”.
With almost three quarters of construction workers (73%) feeling that their employers do not recognise early signs of mental health deterioration* Randstad CPE ensures that employees have access to the help and support they need via Lighthouse’s 24-hour helpline.
So far this year, the Lighthouse Charity has supported over 4,200 families with a variety of emotional, physical and financial wellbeing issues, including emergency food shops, help will bill payments, free counselling and help with injuries and illnesses to name but a few.
If you or anyone you know is struggling, reach out for 24/7 free and confidential support now:
- 24/7 helplines; 0345 605 1956 (UK) / 1800 939 122 (ROI)
- Live chat lighthouseclub.org
- Text HARDHAT to 85258
- Find out more at www.lighthouseclub.org