The Lighthouse Charity is seeking to raise £200,000 by Christmas as demand for financial, emotional and physical wellbeing support from construction workers and their families continues to increase.

The charity, which has supported the construction community for 70 years, said the number of families seeking financial, emotional and physical wellbeing support has risen by 51% so far this year.

Food deliveries have increased by 65%, while more than 7,000 counselling sessions have been funded to provide support to people experiencing financial and personal difficulties.

The charity said the increase comes as the construction industry continues to face economic pressures, with rising costs affecting both businesses and workers.

Construction workers face rising household costs

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

The charity said its support is increasingly being accessed by construction workers who remain in full-time employment but are struggling to meet household costs, including food, fuel, housing and energy.

Sarah Bolton, CEO of the Lighthouse Charity, 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.”

The charity said its food support is no longer limited to people unable to work because of illness or injury, with an increasing number of calls coming from people in employment who cannot cover basic household expenses.

“These food shops aren’t just for people unable to work through illness or injury,” Bolton added. “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.”

Charity warns of pressure on support services

The Lighthouse Charity said the increased demand is placing additional pressure on the resources required to maintain its services as the industry enters the final quarter of the year.

“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,” Bolton said.

“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.”

The charity is seeking donations through its Winter Appeal to fund continued financial assistance, food support and counselling for construction workers and their families.