Welcome to a new episode of I’m The Gaffer 👷♂️
If you work in construction, health and safety, contracting, site management, or lead teams on site, this episode is an important conversation about mental health, support, and looking out for people before they reach crisis point.
In this episode, Gavin Coyle is joined by Mary Grady and Alan Worrall for an important conversation about mental health support in the construction industry and the work of the Lighthouse Charity in Ireland.
They discuss why construction workers need support before crisis point, how employers and HSE professionals can spot the signs, and why a quiet chat can sometimes make a major difference.
You’ll learn:
Why mental health support matters in construction
How the Lighthouse Charity supports workers and families
Why financial pressure is a major issue for many workers
How mental health first aid and peer support can help
Why the Make It Visible van is creating real conversations on site
How employers can build support into workplace culture
🎯 Episode Highlights / Timestamps
00:00 Mental health first aid in construction
01:11 Introduction to Mary Grady and Alan Worrall
03:31 What the Lighthouse Charity does
03:43 Built by construction workers, for construction workers
04:28 Financial struggles and support requests
05:15 Alan’s role in health and safety
08:33 Why HSE professionals are important signposts
11:14 Rising need for mental health support
16:07 The impact of suicide in construction
17:35 Mental health of health and safety professionals
23:20 Why construction-specific support matters
28:02 The importance of communication and connection
34:04 Wellbeing beyond the basics
40:44 Encouraging proactive support in the workplace
Find out more about Summer Lunch 2026:
Companies interested in partnering with The Lighthouse Charity can become a Company Supporter, set up a Lighthouse Day Fundraiser, or learn more about the charity.
Contact: Mary Grady
Email: mary.grady@lighthousecharity.org
Role: Partnership Manager, Ireland East Region
More info: https://lighthousecharity.org/lighthouse-charity-company-supporter/
Connect with Mary Grady
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-grady/
Connect with Alan Worrall
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-worrall-190646135/
Lighthouse Charity
Website: https://www.lighthousecharity.org/
About the Podcast
I’m The Gaffer, hosted by construction professional Gavin Coyle, brings together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts to share real insights on leadership, growth, and success in the construction industry.
Listen on:
Apple Podcasts
https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer
Spotify
https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast
Website
https://www.imthegaffer.com
Subscribe for more insights for construction business owners, contractors, health and safety professionals, and construction leaders.
#ImTheGaffer #ConstructionMentalHealth #LighthouseCharity #ConstructionIndustry #HealthAndSafety #MentalHealthAwareness #ConstructionSafety #WorkplaceWellbeing #MentalHealthFirstAid #ConstructionLeadership #SiteSafety #ConstructionWorkers #WellbeingAtWork #HSE #ConstructionSupport
