Cultural change for our construction apprentices

The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity is working with us to deliver mental well-being training to both tutors and students to bring about a cultural change within the construction industry. The collaboration follows the charity’s hugely successful pilot training programme last year that saw 1000 students and 100 tutors at six London colleges receive mental health and mental health awareness training.

Sarah Bolton, Director of Charitable Services at the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity said: “There is a lot of work being done to support existing issues within our industry but little being done to make lasting change through the next generation.
“We also know that we need to reach out to the grassroots of the industry, particularly the trades. This initiative steps in even earlier, when people are about to embark on a career in construction. Our key message is to let people know that it’s OK to talk about and share problems and to reach out for support or advice if they are in distress or feel things are getting difficult. This could be by simply talking to a colleague to share or reaching out for professional help if need be.”

John Cartwright, Head of Construction and the Built Environment at Hartlepool College, said: “As well as equipping our learners with the right tools and resources for the construction industry, it’s vitally important that they get the right support and guidance on wellbeing. We appreciate that it is a crucial time in developing social and emotional habits in new environments and we want our learners to have the best start possible. By working with The Lighthouse Construction Charity we feel that we are providing the best well-being support to our learners.”

Students will complete a half-day MHFA England Mental Health Awareness Course. The awareness courses will offer an insight into what mental health is and how to challenge stigma, basic knowledge of common mental health issues and an introduction to looking after your own mental health. In addition to this, the college tutors will also be offered the construction-focused two-day MHFA England Mental Health First Aider Course.

These courses offer an in-depth understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect well-being and practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of mental health issues. It also teaches enhanced interpersonal skills such as non-judgemental listening and gives people the confidence to step in and support a person in distress and signposting for specialist support where necessary.

The programme will also ensure that students and tutors can access the charity’s extensive range of well-being masterclasses and the specialist information, advice, and guidance available through the charity’s confidential 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline and Helpline App.

*If you or someone you know needs support, you can reach out for free and confidential support now 24/7 Construction Industry Helplines; 0345 605 1956, (UK) 1800 939 122 (ROI) Text HARDHAT to 85258 (UK) 50808 (ROI)