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Lighthouse Charity launches winter appeal

LIGHTHOUSE CHARITY LAUNCHES £200,000 WINTER APPEAL

The Lighthouse Charity is calling on the construction industry to raise £200,000 by Christmas as demand for its support services reaches record levels.

For 70 years, the charity has provided life-changing and life-saving support to people working in construction, but it is now facing one of the most challenging periods in its history.

The number of families seeking financial, emotional and physical wellbeing support has risen by 51% so far this year, while food deliveries have increased by 65%. The charity has also funded more than 7,000 counselling sessions to provide immediate support to those in need.

With the construction industry continuing to face economic pressures and rising costs, the Lighthouse Charity says it needs an additional £200,000 to maintain its services through the increasingly challenging winter period.

Lighthouse Charity CEO Sarah Bolton said: “The demand for all areas of support continues to grow. Our 24/7 helpline and 1:1 online chat service provides a beacon of hope for those who have nowhere else to turn and so far, we have been able to respond to this unprecedented demand.

“Every day our team are hearing first hand about the incredible pressures people are under; workers who are unable to cover the cost of even basic necessities, travel costs and people who are trying to cope with caring for sick children and relatives.

“Our workforce is battling against relentless cost increases in materials, housing, fuel, food, and energy costs, all whilst working long hours, often away from home and in challenging environments.”

During the first seven months of the year, the Lighthouse Charity supported more than 6,000 families and delivered over 8,000 meals.

Bolton added: “These food shops aren’t just for people unable to work through illness or injury. We’re receiving calls from people who are in full-time work but still can’t afford to feed their family, as well as paying for increased fuel, housing and energy costs.

“We’re also having to step in and fill the gap that’s being left by statutory rights and provisions to help people get through the week. Our workforce simply can’t absorb the additional costs and they need immediate help.

“It’s a perfect storm and we need to act now. We need the support of the industry to ensure that we can continue to deliver our vital services.

“To achieve that we need to raise £200,000 by Christmas and we’re urging our industry leaders to join together in a unified force to support our community. This is an urgent appeal from the heart for donations that will help us deliver a life-changing and life-saving difference to someone today.”

Individuals and organisations can support the Winter Appeal through the charity’s dedicated appeal webpage, which also provides information on how donations are used and the difference they make to people in need.

Donate here

If you or anyone you know is struggling, reach out for 24/7 free and confidential support;

24/7 Helplines; 0345 605 1956, (UK)  1800 939 122 (ROI) 

24/7 1:1 Online chat - accessible via the charity’s website  www.lighthousecharity.org and through the Lighthouse Charity app.