Construction workers at our Trelawny Place development in Felixstowe were encouraged to talk about their mental health at a roadshow last week.

Charity Lighthouse, which supports those in the industry through financial, physical and emotional struggles, visited the site as part of a national tour.

More than 60 site workers ranging from site managers to groundworkers, decorators to bricklayers attended the hour-long talk where they heard from two construction workers who had battled mental health issues themselves.

They acknowledged that there are stigmas associated with asking for help within what is still a male-dominated industry, particularly when it comes to mental health. In 2016 alone 450 construction workers took their own lives and the charity wants to ensure no construction worker ever feels they have no-where to turn.

During the interactive roadshow the charity highlighted the confidential, free services they offer and the financial support available to those within the industry,

Stacy Brett, Deputy Managing Director of Persimmon Homes Suffolk, said:

“It is often hard for us to speak up and admit we are not coping, especially within this industry.

“We have supportive site teams who are there for each and every person working with Persimmon, and alongside that we want to raise the profile of the Lighthouse charity who can offer a more anonymous service for our colleagues.

“We want to thank Lighthouse for taking the time to visit Trelawny Place and while we hope that none of our workers will need their services, it is reassuring to know that they are all fully aware of the support they can offer should they need it.”

Suffolk has chosen Lighthouse as their Charity of the Year for 20276 and will be supporting them throughout the year.