The North East committee of the Lighthouse Charity has appointed Gary Brannighan as its newest member, strengthening its regional industry representation as the organisation approaches its 70th anniversary.
Brannighan, business development manager at Hodgson Sayers, joins a committee made up of construction and health and safety professionals who support the charity’s work across the region. Existing members include Sarah Sidey of Daniel Owen, Angela Carney of Carney Consultancy, Catriona Lingwood of Constructing Excellence North East, Sarah O’Mahoney of Bradley O’Mahoney, Nick Redpath of Northern Counties Safety Group, Debbie Flynn of the Health and Safety Executive, and Ray Elliot, founder of NE1 Mental Health.
Committee members volunteer their time to support awareness campaigns and fundraising activity aimed at sustaining the charity’s services for construction workers and their families.
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The appointment comes ahead of a milestone year for the charity in 2026, marking 70 years since it was founded in 1956 in the North East by construction professionals meeting at St Mary’s Lighthouse in Whitley Bay. The group established the organisation to provide support for people working in the industry.
Today, the Lighthouse Charity provides 24/7 support services for the UK and Ireland construction community, covering emotional, physical and financial wellbeing.
Its services include a free confidential helpline, live web chat and text support, alongside a self-support app and Lighthouse Beacons, which provide safe spaces for workers to raise concerns. The charity also runs training through its Wellbeing Academy and delivers on-site engagement through its #MakeItVisible programme.
Focus on wellbeing and industry support
Gary Brannighan said: “Promoting wellbeing within construction is something I am deeply committed to. Ours is an industry that comes with unique pressures and its vital people can speak openly and access support without fear or stigma. At Hodgson Sayers, the health and wellbeing of our people is a priority and joining the Lighthouse Charity committee allows me to help amplify the message that no one in construction should face life’s challenges alone.
I’m proud to support the charity’s work and play a role in helping it reach even more people.”
Sarah Sidey, regional chair of the Lighthouse Charity in the North East, said: “We are delighted to welcome Gary to the North East committee at such a significant time in the charity’s history. Since its beginnings here in the North East 70 years ago, it has ensured construction workers and their families have somewhere to turn to for support.
“Today, that mission is more relevant than ever. Gary brings strong industry insight and a genuine commitment to wellbeing, which will be invaluable as we continue to raise awareness of the charity’s free, confidential support and encourage cultural change across construction. Together, we want to make sure every worker knows that help is available, support is accessible and that asking for help is a sign of strength.”
