At Cannon Kirk Homes, we believe the wellbeing of the people who build our homes matters just as much as the homes themselves. That’s why we’re proud to support The Lighthouse Charity, an organisation entirely dedicated to supporting the construction community and their families across the UK and Ireland.
For decades, Lighthouse Charity has been a vital lifeline for workers and their loved ones, offering free, confidential support for emotional, physical and financial wellbeing. As an industry supporter, Cannon Kirk Homes stands alongside this mission, helping to raise awareness and ensure that no member of the construction community feels alone in difficult times.
The Lighthouse Charity has been delivering charitable welfare and support to the construction industry since 1956. What began as a group of colleagues gathered under the glow of St Mary’s Lighthouse in Whitley Bay has grown into a nationwide organisation with a clear purpose: to ensure that construction workers and their families can access the help they need, whenever they need it. The charity celebrates 70 years of service in 2026, reinforcing how enduring and indispensable its support has become.
The organisation is driven by three core values: support, passion and integrity. These values are woven into the charity’s approach, from the helpline advisors who offer a compassionate listening ear to the wellbeing training that builds resilience and confidence.
Construction is a demanding profession. The physical challenges of the work, the stresses of deadlines and the pressures of balancing life on and off site can take a toll on anyone. Statistics show that construction workers face significant mental and physical health risks, including stress, anxiety, depression and, tragically, an unacceptably high rate of suicide.
The Lighthouse Charity responds to these challenges with a 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline, offering free, confidential support on a wide range of issues. Whether someone needs a calming voice during a personal crisis, guidance through financial uncertainty or help navigating complex health concerns, the helpline is there around the clock. The charity also offers live web chat, a text support service and a free self-help app packed with practical tools to support mental, physical and financial wellbeing.
Specialist caseworkers augment the helpline by helping callers access tailored support, from legal and tax advice to benefits assistance and debt management. The Lighthouse Charity doesn’t just listen, it helps people take practical steps forward.
One of the most powerful aspects of the charity’s work is the #MakeItVisible campaign, a proactive initiative designed to reach construction workers where they are. The #MakeItVisible team travels to building sites and industry workplaces across the UK and Ireland, offering informal conversations, personal wellbeing stories and one-to-one support in a safe, private setting. The aim is to break down stigma, normalise conversations about mental health and ensure workers know exactly where to turn if they’re struggling.
These visits, led by experienced industry professionals, often spark open dialogue among workers who might otherwise keep their struggles to themselves. By creating a space where people feel understood and supported, the charity is helping to shift the culture of the industry toward greater openness and support.
Beyond reactive support, The Lighthouse Charity also provides proactive resources to build resilience and promote wellbeing across the industry. The Wellbeing Academy offers a range of free training courses from soft skills and personal development to accredited mental health first aid training, delivered through digital learning or in-person sessions.
This investment in education helps individuals and organisations develop healthier workplace cultures and equips people with tools to support themselves and colleagues through stress, trauma or emotional challenges.
The Lighthouse Charity’s impact is both measurable and deeply personal. According to the charity’s latest figures, in recent years it has delivered millions of pounds of charitable support and provided lifelines to thousands of families. The charity continues to expand its services and strengthen its outreach to ensure help is available to anyone in need within the construction community.
Each year, the charity’s work touches countless lives, whether through emergency financial aid in times of crisis, counselling and wellbeing support, or simply offering someone the reassurance that they don’t have to struggle alone.
The Lighthouse Charity receives no public funding. Its ability to deliver free, 24/7 support depends entirely on the generosity of the industry: companies, individuals and supporters who pledge donations or help raise awareness of the charity’s services. Annual contributions help fund helplines, training programmes and outreach campaigns like #MakeItVisible, making support more accessible to those who need it most.
As a company proud to support The Lighthouse Charity, Cannon Kirk Homes recognises the vital role that wellbeing plays. We’re committed to raising awareness among our own teams and partners, and to promoting the idea that supporting each other is part of building strong communities.
For construction workers and their families in need of support right now, The Lighthouse Charity offers:
No one should feel alone when life feels overwhelming. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is just a phone call, message or app away.
📞 UK 24/7 Helpline: 0345 605 1956
📞 ROI 24/7 Helpline: 1800 939 122
💬 Text “HARDHAT” to 85258 (UK) or 50808 (ROI) for confidential support
🌐 Visit: www.lighthousecharity.org for more information and resources
Cannon Kirk’s support for The Lighthouse Charity forms part of our wider Community Matters programme, which is focused on making a positive and lasting contribution beyond the homes we build. From supporting industry charities and local causes to investing in the wellbeing of the people and communities around us, Community Matters reflects our belief that responsible housebuilding goes hand in hand with social responsibility.
To find out more about the programme and the initiatives we support, please visit our Community Matters page.
