Mental Health Support in Construction | Mary Grady & Alan Worrall

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: Purchase tickets or tables: https://lighthousecharity.org/events/ireland-summer-lunch-2026/ Bid for auction items online: https://app.galabid.com/lighthouse-charity/items You can’t attend but would like to make a donation?: https://lighthousecharity.org/donate 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: [email protected] 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