Travis Perkins plc has announced a new two-year partnership with Lighthouse, the industry charity which provides free 24/7 emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support for construction sector workers and their families.
The partnership will help the Group shine a spotlight on the importance of prioritising mental health, both internally and externally, helping to drive meaningful change across the business and the wider industry. The arrangement will initially focus on upskilling the Group’s own workforce through a mixture of Lighthouse facilitated lunch and learn sessions, more formalised training for up to 1,000 managers and refresher training for the Group’s 100+ mental health first aiders.
Over time, the programme will become more external facing, with the Group’s businesses using their position as leaders in the industry to strengthen connections with customers and suppliers by promoting the importance of good mental health and wellbeing.
Catherine Gibson, TP plc’s Specialist Merchants Managing Director and wellbeing sponsor, explained: “The mental health and wellbeing of our colleagues is important to all of us at Travis Perkins Group. We will be focusing on upskilling our managers to equip them with tools and knowledge so they are better able to support their own and their teams’ wellbeing.
“It is our aspiration to help leaders have great conversations, and to enable them to use tools such as swapping stories, offering a listening ear or strengthening colleague connections in other ways, so we can be at our best at work and at home.”
Sarah Bolton, CEO of the Lighthouse Charity, added: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Travis Perkins to ensure their teams are accessing the support and training they need to facilitate a positive mental health culture. Encouraging frank conversations within the industry will help reduce the stigma of sharing concerns surrounding poor wellbeing, including mental health.
“Amplifying the message of support across every level of our industry is critical and working collaboratively with organisations such as Travis Perkins helps us achieve that.”
For those working in construction who are struggling, the Lighthouse is available 24/7 for free and confidential support via:
24/7 helplines; 0345 605 1956, (UK) 1800 939 122 (ROI)
Live chat
Text HARDHAT to 85258 (UK) or 50808 (ROI)
Find out more at www.lighthousecharity.org
