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Lighthouse: Mental Health Support for Construction Workers

2024-12-09

Construction workers often face numerous challenges in their daily lives. A charity has recently declared a mental health crisis within this industry, highlighting the need for open discussions and better support. Stu Burman, from Gorleston-on-Sea and founder of the Man Cave mental health support group, emphasizes the importance of talking about feelings. He states, "Men don't want to talk about their feelings, they just keep it under their hard hats, but talking saves lives."

Uncovering the Hidden Struggles of Construction Workers

Worksite Mental Health Workshops

Lighthouse, a charity providing support to workers and their families, is rolling out three mental health workshops at building sites across Norfolk between Wednesday and Friday. These workshops aim to address the mental health issues faced by construction workers. As Sarah Bolton, the chief executive of the charity, explains, "Tradespeople are most self-employed, so there’s no consistency, no continuity of salaries, and it can be feast or famine. So that, on top of general everyday life problems and the adverse weather, can be a bit of a perfect recipe [for disaster]." 1: The national charity has stated that two "tradies" take their lives every working day in the UK and Ireland. This alarming statistic shows the severity of the problem. It is crucial that construction workers have access to timely and effective support. 2: The workshops offered by Lighthouse are a step in the right direction. They provide a safe space for workers to share their experiences and seek help. By addressing mental health issues on-site, construction companies can create a more supportive work environment.

Personal Stories of Struggle

Alistair Beavis, whose online "brotherhood" enables thousands of men to speak openly, shares his own story. He says, "I had to be at the stage where it nearly cost me my life before I got any help. I faced the demons on my own – that’s how broken the system is." This highlights the need for a more efficient and accessible support system. 1: Many construction workers feel isolated and reluctant to seek help. They often hide their emotions under the guise of toughness. However, as Stu Burman emphasizes, talking about feelings can save lives. 2: The long waiting lists for therapies and the reliance on medication alone are not enough. Construction workers need comprehensive support that addresses the root causes of their mental health issues.

Industry Progress in Support

Michael Saunders, operations manager at Lovell Homes, building homes in King’s Lynn, notes that the industry is making inroads into providing better support for its workers. He says, "If we go back 20-30 years, the industry was much more about toughening up and getting on with it and people were taught to keep their mouth shut. But we are a lot softer around the edges now and there is a lot more focus on people and sites are far, far better than they used to be in terms of safety and welfare." 1: There is still room for improvement, but the steps taken by the industry so far are positive. Construction companies are realizing the importance of mental health and are taking measures to address it. 2: By providing better support systems and creating a culture of openness, construction companies can help their workers lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Thinking about adding a furry companion to your family? Look no further! The Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) is currently seeking foster homes for the animals in their care while undergoing renovations. This is a great opportunity to make a difference in the lives of these animals.

Why Foster with the AWLA?

During the construction, the AWLA is renovating sections of their building to provide better habitats for the animals. This includes making areas less stressful and adding wildlife aspects. However, the noise and chemicals from the construction can add to the animals' stress. By fostering, you can help reduce this stress and give the animals a more comfortable environment.Foster homes also provide valuable insights into how the animals behave in a family environment. As Charnita Fox, the Director of Operations, explains, "Foster is great for getting information that we can't get in a shelter. What happens in a home is not gonna duplicate in a shelter. So a lot of people wanna know how they do in a home." This information can help potential adopters make more informed decisions about which animal is right for them.The AWLA covers all costs associated with fostering, including supplies, medical bills, and behavioral support. As Fox says, "We provide all supplies, we take care of medical bills, we take care of behavioral support while you're in that vet support. The benefit is you're getting unconditional love from an animal that isn't yours, but you don't have to worry about any of the cost of it. We're just asking you to give them love, give us feedback and just make sure they're in a cozy home."

Fostering for Adoption

Fostering is a great opportunity for those interested in adopting a pet. As Fox notes, "This is a perfect time to figure out what type of dog you want to adopt or whether fostering is right for you. Fostering gives you a realistic chance to see how an animal fits into your lifestyle before making a long-term commitment."For families considering adoption but not ready to commit 100%, fostering is especially helpful. As Fox adds, "If you're not ready to adopt, this is a perfect time to figure out. Do I wanna adopt? What type of dog would I wanna adopt? Cat? Rabbit, hamster, whatever it may be. We've had people come in and want a dog and they've left out with a rabbit. Sometimes people don't understand what the certain species need so, having a chance to foster gives you a realistic chance before you commit to an animal."If you do decide to commit to the animal you foster, there are options. As Fox explains, "Ideally we want people to hold on to them until Jan. 12 or return Jan. 13. We do understand that is a long stretch of time. So we are offering places where people can maybe foster with another family or you can do a short stint. Let us know what it is."

How to Get Involved

If you're interested in fostering or adopting, the AWLA makes it easy. You can stop by the Arlington facility or click here for more information. The AWLA is dedicated to finding homes for all of its animals until construction is complete in mid-January. Don't miss this chance to make a positive impact on the lives of these furry friends.

On December 2nd, the Cleveland City Council's Committee of the Whole met to discuss various important matters. One of the key focuses was the African American Cultural Garden, which is still short of approximately $2 million in construction funds despite years of fundraising efforts. Obie Shelton, the executive director of the Association of African American Cultural Gardens (AAACG), updated the council on the project's status.

Uniting Cleveland through Cultural Gardens

Money Needed for the African American Cultural Garden

The idea for the African American Cultural Garden was first conceived in 1961 and dedicated in 1977. The first phase of construction included a "Door of No Return" installation, which was completed in 2016 and overlooks Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Phase two construction, which is the current focus of fundraising efforts, includes a terrace with seating for up to 300 people and a water element symbolizing freedom. Altogether, the work will cost $4 million, and half of the financial goal has been met. Council President Blaine Griffin, Ward 3 Council Member Kerry McCormack, and Ward 16 Council Member Brian Kazy urged officials to find more money to finish this long-planned project. Kazy called on Mayor Justin Bibb's administration to cover the funding gap in full, emphasizing that "We have money for everything else, and this is a project that is well needed, well deserved."

The Greek Garden Association's Plans

The stewards of the Greek Cultural Garden are also looking to make good on a decades-old plan. The Greek Garden Association of Cleveland is set to install a large stone artwork called a frieze. Cleveland City Council passed legislation tied to the art at its last regular meeting on Dec. 2, allowing the association to accept $250,000 from the State of Ohio and move forward with the installation. In the earlier committee meeting, Cleveland Commissioner of Real Estate Susanne DeGennaro mentioned that the artwork was planned in 1939 along with the garden's creation but was postponed due to wartime shortages. The frieze is set to depict dozens of Greek historical figures.

The Euclid Beach Park Archway

The iconic archway of Euclid Beach Park is set to have a new home. McDonald's is donating land at 15891 E. 159th St., which is directly west of the archway's current spot. Planned changes to East 159th Street require relocating the arch, which greeted visitors to an amusement park that closed in 1969. Cleveland intends to develop the vacant land into a park including the archway, and Council later passed legislation allowing the city to accept the donation.In addition to these projects, the council reviewed over 30 pieces of legislation during this marathon meeting. You can read the full notes from Documenter Dan McLaughlin and watch parts one and two of the meeting on Cleveland City Council's YouTube.Signal Cleveland has been providing essential local government news and information to Clevelanders without a paywall. From covering local government, schools, and the Browns stadium saga to housing vouchers, they have been there for Clevelanders. In the wake of August storms and the heat of election seasons, they have continued to offer free, independent, and accurate news. Their reporting on housing issues has led to positive changes in the city, making complaint forms more accessible. With the support of readers like you, Signal Cleveland's work is possible. Make a tax-deductible donation today to help them continue serving Clevelanders.With gratitude,Lila MillsEditor-in-ChiefSignal Cleveland