At a glance

Forty construction workers experiencing suicidal thoughts received support during the Lighthouse Charity's #MakeItVisible site visits in 2026, highlighting mental health struggles in the industry. The charity, which has seen a 51% increase in demand for its services compared to 2025, is appealing for £200,000 to continue providing vital support. Essential Site Skills is urging greater awareness of the charity's resources and encouraging contributions to its Winter Appeal.

Construction training provider Essential Site Skills calls for greater awareness of free mental health support as the Lighthouse Charity launches its £200,000 Winter Appeal.

Forty construction workers expressing suicidal thoughts have received immediate support through the Lighthouse Charity’s #MakeItVisible site visits in 2026, highlighting the hidden mental health struggles facing the industry. The charity’s outreach team has visited 506 construction sites and spoken to approximately 27,000 workers this year, helping to break down barriers and encourage people to seek support.

But the pressure on its services is growing. The Lighthouse Charity reports supporting 51% more people than in 2025, while delivering 65% more meals to families facing hardship. It is now appealing for £200,000 by Christmas to help maintain its vital services.

For Catherine Storer, Executive Director of Nottinghamshire-based construction training provider Essential Site Skills (ESS), the importance of the charity’s work became particularly clear during a #MakeItVisible construction site visit in 2024. During the visit, Catherine interviewed Andy Bishop, who openly shared his personal experience of reaching the point where he intended to take his own life.

Catherine said:

“Listening to Andy’s story first-hand was incredibly moving, but something else he told me has always stayed with me.

“He spoke about a construction worker who regularly calls the charity on his way home from work, simply to offload about his day. Having someone there to listen helps him cope.

“That really brought home to me how important this charity is. You don’t have to be at breaking point to ask for help. Sometimes you just need someone to talk to.”

ESS filmed the visit and published a video highlighting the charity’s work and the importance of making support accessible across construction sites.

Catherine added:

“We spend so much time making sure people are safe on construction sites, but what about the things we can’t see?

“Not everyone who goes home safely at the end of their shift is okay.

“When you hear that 40 workers have expressed suicidal thoughts during site visits this year alone, it really does make you question how many more people are struggling in silence.

“There shouldn’t be a single construction worker in the UK who doesn’t know that this support exists.”

The Lighthouse Charity provides free, confidential emotional, physical and financial support to construction workers and their families, including a 24-hour helpline. With demand for support increasing, ESS is encouraging construction employers, contractors and industry organisations to raise awareness of the charity’s services and consider contributing to its Winter Appeal.

Watch the original ESS #MakeItVisible video:

https://essentialsiteskills.co.uk/blog/post/makeitvisible-lighthouse-charity

Support the Lighthouse Charity Winter Appeal:

https://lighthousecharity.org/appeal/

Free 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline:

0345 605 1956

Editorial insight

While physical safety on construction sites has long been a priority, this update draws attention to the less visible but equally pressing issue of mental health among workers. The figures reported by the Lighthouse Charity, including the number of individuals in suicidal crisis identified during site visits, illustrate the scale of need that persists across the sector. The charity's growing caseload and increased demand for support underline the ongoing challenges faced by those working in construction, an industry where stigma and cultural barriers can make it harder for individuals to seek help.

The call for greater awareness and support from employers and industry bodies reflects a wider recognition that mental health provision must become an integral part of workplace welfare. With the charity now seeking additional funding to maintain its services, the story is a reminder that proactive outreach and accessible support remain essential, particularly as economic pressures and job insecurity continue to affect many in the sector. For industry stakeholders, the message is clear: ensuring workers know how to access help can be as critical as any other safety measure on site.

Story ideas and journalist angles

Current affairs

Rising Mental Health Crisis Among UK Construction Workers

The increasing number of construction workers expressing suicidal thoughts highlights a growing mental health crisis within the industry. This is compounded by a reported 51% rise in demand for support from the Lighthouse Charity compared to last year.

Target audience who would cover this Story potential 8/10 Environmental/social impact

The Role of Charities in Supporting UK Construction Workers’ Mental Health

As demand for mental health support among construction workers grows, the role of charities like the Lighthouse Charity becomes increasingly critical. The charity's site visits and helpline provide essential services to workers in crisis.

Target audience who would cover this Story potential 7/10