A free and confidential 24/7 helpline and wellbeing app has been launched to provide construction workers with information, advice and guidance on mental, physical and financial wellbeing matters.

The helpline and app were launched, via webinar on 3 June, by the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, and the charity is working with the CIF to promulgate the helpline amongst its members.

“A large proportion of construction workers are either self-employed or work for small businesses. They do not have access to an employee assistance programme (EAP) for support.

“One of the charity’s key objectives is to reduce suicides of those working in the construction sector. The 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline delivers an EAP to all workers and is complimented by s supporting helpline app,” noted Lighthouse CEO Bill Hill.

“By making all the services free and confidential, the charity aims to remove two of the key barriers to people seeking help. The final barrier to overcome is the stigma of using such services often inherent in stoic masculine belief,” he added.

The webinar showcased the services provided by Lighthouse, while a panel discussion on the implications of the Government’s Return to Work Safely Protocol included representatives from the charity, the CIF, the Considerate Constructors’ Scheme and experts from the Irish construction sector.