The money will make a huge difference to construction workers in crisis, who have kept the country’s infrastructure going through incredibly difficult and challenging times.
The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity is one of 100 UK charities to be awarded a £100k donation from Barclays which will help them to support the UK and Ireland construction community.
Charities were invited to apply for one of 100 donations of £100,000, and Barclays was inundated by hundreds of applications from charities across the UK who are struggling to deliver on-the-ground support to vulnerable communities impacted by the crisis.
Barclays launched its 100x100 UK COVID-19 Community Relief Programme to support COVID-19 relief work in local communities. The programme, which forms part of its wider COVID-19 Community Aid Package, focuses on supporting UK charity partners who are meeting the immediate needs of people in our communities, including low income families, those facing financial hardship, isolated elderly people and key workers.
The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity is the only charity that provides mental, physical and financial well being support to the construction community and their families.
It provides a 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline which is the first point of contact to access a range of free and confidential support services and this is complemented by its free Construction Industry Helpline App which provides information, advice and guidance on a variety of wellbeing issues including stress, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
The charity also offers a series of free online wellbeing training sessions with topics including coping with stress, work-life balance and financial management.
Bill Hill, CEO of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, said,”We were absolutely over the moon when we heard that we had been selected by Barclays to receive a £100,000 donation. This will make a huge difference to our construction workers in crisis, who have kept the country’s infrastructure going through incredibly difficult and challenging times.
"With two construction workers taking their own life every working day, we need to provide even more pro-active support to ensure that our workforce has access to the help they need and deserve. Our mission is that no construction worker or their family is alone in a crisis and this hugely generous donation will help us to achieve that as we embark on yet another difficult year.”
Nigel Higgins, Barclays Chairman, said: “COVID-19 has created an unprecedented social and economic impact in the UK, with many experiencing greater hardship due to the crisis. Incredible charities, such as the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity have been playing a vital role in the UK’s response to the pandemic, ensuring urgent help reaches those most in need of support.
"As a bank we have been doing all we can for our customers, clients and colleagues, and we hope that by partnering with the Lighthouse Club Charity and many other charities across the UK, collectively we can ensure that as many people as possible in the communities in which we live and work are supported through this crisis.”
