Lighthouse Charity Pioneers Bold Path to Support Ex Offenders

The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity is pioneering an innovative programme designed to reintegrate prisoners into the workforce and help bridge the longstanding skills gap in the construction sector.

The pilot project at Cardiff Prison embraces the support of the Lighthouse Charity, GLA Group and Central Group to offer specialist skills training, soft skills development, and an exciting pathway into the roofing industry. This initiative promises to not only empower prisoners but also changes the construction industry’s landscape, bringing new found hope and opportunities for all.

Sarah Bolton, Chief Operating Officer of the Lighthouse Charity, articulated the importance of this programme, “In our pursuit to bridge the skills gap within the industry, we’re supporting a fully inclusive environment and engaging with individuals who may never have considered a career in construction before.

Through this holistic partnership, we are able to deliver not just the essential vocational skills, we’re also ensuring easy access to vital soft skills training.  Many ex-offenders could face societal prejudice and difficulties finding work. This programme will enhance their employability and empower individuals entering the sector to embark on a sustainable career, with the skills to overcome the daily challenges of life.”

The Lighthouse Charity will be offering a portfolio of self-paced e-learning modules that allow flexible learning and cover a diverse range of wellbeing topics, such as Banter vs Bullying, Resolving Conflict, Managing Stress, and Understanding Anxiety, among others.

The GLA Group, renowned for their expertise in pitched and flat roofing courses, take on the role of mentor, delivering comprehensive training to prisoners with aspirations in the construction industry.

Andy Bird, Director of the GLA Group said, “GLA realise that it’s not just about teaching people new practical skills to help them when they leave prison, it’s having the skills to deal with the challenges we face on a daily basis that many of us take for granted but some cannot.  The Lighthouse Charity help to fill that gap with e-learning courses aimed at understanding and easing the stress and anxiety that life and work can sometimes bring up.

We are delighted to be able to collaborate with them and help reduce re-offending and give people the chance and opportunity to live successful lives”.

Completing this transformative cycle of support is the Central Group, a roofing and cladding contractor, offering individuals who complete the training an opportunity to pursue a career in the construction industry upon their release

Central Group commented, “The training and support networks being offered by this partnership are fantastic. They’re tackling the key challenges that ex-offenders face. We share their belief in everyone having the same opportunities to meaningful employment, regardless of their circumstances or background. Given the opportunities the roofing industry can offer, we’re willing and interested in helping ex-offenders secure a role in construction.”

Louise Morgan Head of Education Skills and Work at Cardiff Prison added, “What an exciting collaboration between the Lighthouse Charity, HMPC, GLA Group and the Central Group. This is an example of working together at its best. By working with partners, we can enhance our curriculum offer to provide the men in our care with the best education, skills and work opportunities to be successful in their goals and ambitions when they leave custody.”

Image; Vocational training at Cardiff Prison

The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity is the only charity that provides emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to the construction community and their families, offering a wide range of free and widely available pro-active resources.

The charity offers a free and confidential 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline and text HARDHAT service which provides a range of information, guidance and support on a huge variety of wellbeing issues. These services are complemented by their free Self Support App which offers another route to support, along with their Lighthouse Beacons who provide a safe space for people to share concerns.

Their Wellbeing Academy offers a variety of free soft skills and leadership training delivered across a variety of platforms to suit every learning style from self paced e-learning, tutor led online training and bespoke onsite training.

The charity is spearheading the industry wide #MakeItVisible campaign which brings together contractors, clients and professionals to tackle suicide rates and improve welfare and wellbeing in the construction industry in the UK and Ireland. Support resources are accessed through the www.MakeItVisible.info  portal which is the digital gateway for anyone struggling with emotional, physical or financial wellbeing.

PR Contacts 

Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity CEO Bill Hill

For industry related wellbeing issues and expert opinion and comment:

Email  bill.hill@lighthouseclub.org or Tel: 07776 177298

Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity PR Manager Michelle Finnerty

email: marketing@lighthouseclub.org or Tel: 01473 913125