Covid-19: CITB chief exec update – 19 May 2020

Good afternoon,

I hope you’re keeping well. Today my messages focus on Mental Health Awareness Week; the range of sources and support available and an update on the CLC Site Operating Procedures.

New: The Lighthouse Club wellbeing workshops

According to The Lighthouse Club charity, stress, anxiety and depression currently accounts for a fifth of all work-related illness. Now more than ever, it’s vital that we look after our mental health, and stay in touch with loved ones to ensure they have support where possible. Mental Health Awareness Week takes place this week from 18 – 24 May, and to mark the occasion The Lighthouse Club is offering free online workshops for anyone working in construction.

Across Monday-Friday, the charity will host a different workshop every day at 1:30pm, each lasting one hour. From top tips on handling stress, to meditation techniques led by a construction professional; the workshops will provide guidance and advice on a variety of topics surrounding wellbeing.

New: The Lighthouse Club app & GOV.UK ‘Find Help’ toolkit

I would also like to remind you about the Helpline app launched by The Lighthouse Club charity. The free app provides a platform to seek guidance and information in a discreet manner, without the need to supply any personal details. It provides access to a vast range of resources and topics covering mental, physical and financial wellbeing. To find out more and download the app, click here.

Additionally, a new ‘Find Help’ toolkit is currently available on GOV.UK to support those struggling due to COVID-19. Users will answer a series of questions and be signposted to the relevant services based on their needs and where they live. 

CITB’s COVID-19 wellbeing blog

If you missed it before, take a look at CITB’s Health and Safety Policy Lead, the Reverend Kevin Fear’s blog. Here he talks about some of the day-to-day measures that everyone in construction can take to look after their mental health, as well as tools and resources available for employers. 

New: CLC Site Operating Procedures supporting materials updated

Following today’s release of Version 4 of the CLC Site Operating Procedures that can be found here, we have updated our COVID-19 Site safety checklists and forms and have uploaded them to the website.

CITB’s COVID-19 updates page is being refreshed daily and includes information on a range of subjects, including Grants, Funding and the NCC. Please click here to view it.

To read the range of support measures made available to UK businesses and employees by the UK Government please click here.

Kind wishes

Sarah Beale

Chief Executive