Industry comes together for Lighthouse Charity wellbeing breakfast
Picture Caption: Stuart Miller, Secretary and Director at CECA North East with Rory Doyle, Partnership Manager in the North East for the Lighthouse Charity.
Construction and civil engineering businesses from across the North East gathered for a breakfast event to learn more about the work of the Lighthouse Charity and the vital support it provides to people working across the construction industry.
Held at the offices of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association North East (CECA North East) members were updated on the charity’s services, the importance of mental health and wellbeing and explored how employers can ensure support is available to those who need it.
Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, the Lighthouse Charity provides emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support specifically for the construction industry. Its services include a free and confidential 24/7 helpline, live web chat, training, on-site talks and its MakeItVisible initiative, all designed to ensure support is visible, accessible and available to construction workers and their families when they need it most.
The charity was established in the North East in 1956 by a group of construction professionals who met at Whitley Bay’s St Mary’s Lighthouse. They pledged to create an organisation that would provide fellowship and support for people working throughout the construction industry.
Between January and May 2026, the charity supported 198 families in the North East alone, delivered 259 counselling sessions, provided 406 meals and awarded almost £27,000 in financial grants. Across the UK and Ireland during the same period, the charity supported over 3,500 families, delivered more than 5,000 counselling sessions and delivered £3.2m of charitable support to the construction community.
The charity’s ‘MakeItVisible’ initiative visits construction sites across the UK and Ireland reaching some of the sectors most vulnerable workers. Up to the end of May, the teams have visited 362 sites, sharing their lived experiences with over 14,000 site operatives.
Sarah Sidey, chair of the Lighthouse Charity committee in the North East, said: “The construction industry is built on looking out for one another. I encourage every business, leader, and individual across the North East to join us in supporting the Lighthouse Charity’s vital work. Whether you attend an event, start a wellbeing conversation, become a company supporter, or simply share awareness of the help available, your involvement could make a life-changing difference. Together we can make a lasting difference. “
CECA North East is one of eight regional branches of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), representing around 80% of civil engineering activity across the region. Its members range from small and medium-sized businesses to some of the largest UK and international firms, all playing a vital role in delivering, maintaining and upgrading the nation’s infrastructure. CECA North East supports its members through advocacy, skills development, health and safety initiatives and by fostering collaboration across the industry.
Stuart Miller, director of CECA North East, said: “We were pleased to host the breakfast event and to hear more about the charity and its vital services, many of which will undoubtedly be useful for our members. The civil engineering sector continues to place an increasing focus on supporting the wellbeing of its workforce and events such as this help raise awareness of the excellent support that is available. We hope everyone who attended found the session informative and valuable.”
Sarah Bolton, CEO of the Lighthouse Charity added. “Thank you to CECA North East for their continued support and encouraging people to start conversations around positive wellbeing. Events such as this help us amplify our message of support and offer an opportunity for us to let the industry know about the free services available to them and their teams.”
If you or anyone you know is struggling, reach out for 24/7 free and confidential support now;
24/7 helplines; 0345 605 1956, (UK) 1800 939 122 (ROI)
Live chat www.lighthousecharity.org
Find out more at www.lighthousecharity.org