Toolstation launched an initiative aimed at those affected by the mental health crisis in the construction industry, with an aim to help equip tradespeople with the tools they need to look after their mental health.
The campaign was in the form of a huge poster – dubbed the 'world's most supportive poster' – at Liverpool Lime Street, capturing construction workers as they arrived into the city for work.
They offered immediate support to tradespeople to help overcome their worries and mental health issues. It meant tradespeople could privately live chat with a trained expert from the Lighthouse Club charity via a QR code.
The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity is the only charity that provides emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to construction workers and their families.
The poster, which was up from 21 March until 29 March, gave tradespeople and construction workers the opportunity to get instant, confidential expert advice on the topics that affect them the most, like mental health issues, money worries, insomnia and work life imbalance and alcoholism.
Although the conversations remained confidential, the Liverpool Media Wall will displayed what’s on the minds of local tradespeople and it's hoped that this level of visibility will help end the stigma of talking about mental health within the industry.
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Receipts from Toolstation branches in the surrounding Liverpool area will also include a free 24/7 number for the Construction Industry Helpline which is managed and funded by the Lighthouse Club. The helpline provides confidential support for those in the construction industry.
Greg Richardson, head of marketing at Toolstation, says: “Our research shows that there’s a mental health crisis in the construction industry with almost one in five knowing someone that has attempted to take their own life. Work in the sector is often characterised by limited term contracts and long unsociable hours, away from family.
"Those who work for smaller organisations or are sole traders in the construction industry might not have easy access to mental health support, so this campaign is an important step in raising awareness that everyone in the industry can quickly talk with someone who can help.”
Bill Hill, CEO of Lighthouse Club says: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with Toolstation on this significant issue within our industry. It is so important that we get the message of support to the “boots on the ground” that we are there for them 24/7. If our workforce don’t know we are there for them we simply can’t help them in crisis. I am convinced that partnering with Toolstation and using the medium of Outdoor Advertising will make a significant impact and ultimately save lives.”
Inspired to act?
SUPPORT: You can donate to the Lighthouse Club charity, to help support those within the construction industry.
