Teesside Business Shines The Light On Mental Health

Left to right: Helen Wilson, Administrator; Kevin Willis, Contracts Manager; Louise Morgan, Company Accountant

This Mental Health Awareness Week, Teesside based Intelect, are taking the opportunity to raise awareness amongst its staff, contractors and suppliers, of its renewed commitment to improving mental health services across its business and in the wider construction community.

Intelect, a supporter of The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, which provides financial and emotional support to the construction community and their families, will be organising a series of events, culminating in a ‘Lighthouse Day’ in September, where Intelect employees will be taking part in a Dragon Boat Race on the River Tees.

Nathan Jones, Group Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental Manager at Intelect said, “A big driver for the campaign is the fact that the leading cause of death for men aged 20-49 is suicide, and rates for any age group are among the highest in the construction industry, with an average of 2 construction workers taking their lives every day!

“I have worked in the construction industry for over 15 years, and I have seen first-hand how the pressure of dealing with mental health conditions can impact an employee. I have no doubt that the more we talk about mental health, the more we realise we are not alone and the better the outcomes become.”

Intelect’s support of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity helps to fund the charity’s helpline and mental health app. The free to access services provide a 24/7 safety net for all construction workers and their families, offering advice on welfare and mental wellbeing, emergency financial aid and support on legal, tax and debt management matters.

Intelect’s Director, John Thompson, said, “Everyone knows someone who has been affected by mental ill health, and will understand how important it is that help is available whenever and wherever someone needs it.

“As we enter Mental Health Awareness Week, we are proud to be backing the Lighthouse Club and its invaluable services, to let people know that potentially life-saving support is just a phone call away.”

Last year alone, the helpline supported 1,662 families in crisis and delivered nearly £1.5m in emergency financial aid.

Bill Hill, CEO of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity said, “On behalf of everyone at the charity, we would like to thank Intelect for helping us to spread the word about our 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline. With two construction workers taking their own life every single working day, it’s vital that no worker ever feels alone in a crisis.

“We provide both financial and emotional wellbeing support to everyone in the industry and their families and we can’t do that without the support of those companies within the industry, and those that support them.”

The 24/7 Construction Helpline can be reached by dialling 0345 605 1956.