Earlier this month a new app was launched to help construction workers who may be struggling with mental health issues.

Construction Industry Helpline App

A free phone app has been launched to help struggling construction workers – the Construction Industry Helpline App.

The joint venture between the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, construction software business Coins and Building Mental Health is planned to help construction workers cope with psychological pressures of both work and home life.

The app is a preventative tool which aims to provide support early on for those who are struggling with mental health. It is hoped that the app could help people before people reach a life-critical situation.

App developer, Coins, says the app offers information, advice and guidance on many wellbeing topics including stress, anxiety, depression, anger, suicidal thoughts, drug and alcohol dependency, debt management, legal advice, and emergency financial aid.

Upon launching the app, Coins also noted that stress, anxiety and depression account for 20% of work-related illness.

More specific to the construction industry, as we blogged about earlier this year, the suicide rate among low-skilled male labourers is three times higher than the national average for men in other occupations. Which is why, we couldn’t applaud the scheme enough – far too many men suffer in silence in the construction industry.

Essential Site Skills are huge supporters of the Lighthouse Club - we help raise money for the Nottingham Lighthouse Club and advocate the work they do. The existing Construction Industry Helpline is already a lifeline to many people, so we are pleased that an app is also now available.

Here is what Lighthouse Club Chief Executive, Bill Hill, has to say about the newly introduced app:

“The app complements our 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline. We recognise that not everyone feels comfortable talking about their feelings or personal situation, so the app is aimed at people who would like to find out more information about how they can perhaps help themselves or if necessary, take the next step in seeking professional help.”

Don’t Be Lonely This Christmas

The launch of the app comes at just the right time as we are in the run-up to Christmas. Statistically, suicide rates drop in December, but Christmas can be one of the loneliest of holidays for a person suffering from mental health issues.

The risk of suicide is highest in the new year, with January being ‘peak time’.

It is also interesting to note that the suicide risk drops in women at Christmas, but more men are prone to feeling blue or thinking about suicide over the holidays.

Hopefully, with great new initiatives like the Construction Industry Helpline app, more men from the construction sector will be able to discuss their feelings and be offered the right advice and support.

You can download the app from the Google Play store, or the Apple App store.

Please remember that if you feel that your own life or somebody else’s is at immediate risk, to contact the emergency services.