Dandara launches national partnership to tackle mental health crisis in construction

Independent housebuilder Dandara, which has developments in the East of Scotland and Aberdeen, has officially launched its first national partnership with Lighthouse Club, a charity which provides mental health and wellbeing support to people working in the construction industry.

Lighthouse Club provides a range of support services for all construction workers, including subcontractors, agency workers and people in allied trades. It operates a confidential helpline and has over 350 volunteer drop-in centres that provide a safe, supportive environment for people to talk about the problems they face or have faced.

It also offers a 24/7 text-back counselling service, a support app with information about medical conditions and coping strategies, and masterclasses to help people deal with a range of issues including stress, bullying and financial management, as well as alcohol and drug problems.

Bill Hill, CEO of Lighthouse Club, said: “We are excited to welcome Dandara as one of our company supporters. We receive no public funding, so it is only through the generosity of people in the industry that we can provide much-needed support to people working in construction and their families.”

Port of Aberdeen has announced its return to prepandemic levels of activity in 2022, a full year ahead of forecast.

The port increased its turnover by 17% to £39.2million as vessel arrival numbers surpassed 6,800, up 12% on the previous year, and more than 27.7million tonnes of vessels and goods moved through the port. An operating profit of £21.3million was earned, representing a 22% increase compared to 2021.

The Northern Isles ferry service continued its recovery with 163,000 passengers travelling through Aberdeen representing a 47% increase compared to 2021.

These increased activities have positively impacted the local economy, creating jobs, attracting local supply chain spend and investment. As a Trust port, the profits are reinvested to enhance facilities for future generations.

As construction at the transformative Aberdeen South Harbour expansion nears completion in the coming weeks, the port is poised to capitalise on future growth, supporting the oil and gas, renewables, decommissioning, general cargo, and cruise sectors.