Homebuilder strengthens commitment to mental health and wellbeing with continued Samaritans partnership and introduction of Lighthouse

Major UK homebuilder Cala has announced its continued support of Samaritans and a new partnership with Lighthouse, the construction charity.

This will be Cala’s sixth year of support for Samaritans, with the team aiming to reach a milestone £1million in fundraising and donations to the charity since 2020. The partnership launched following Samaritans’ call for better mental and emotional health support for middle-aged men. The risk of suicide is significantly higher than the national UK average for males who work in the construction sector.

Over the past five years, the award-winning partnership has had a significant impact, with over £806,000 raised through corporate donations and fundraising efforts by Cala employees, suppliers and subcontractors. This is the equivalent of the amount it costs for Samaritans to respond to 80,000 calls for help. Last year alone, Cala’s total donations helped to recruit and train 1,449 new Samaritans listening volunteers.

The housebuilder has now also become a Company Supporter for Lighthouse, pledging £50,000 to the organisation, which is dedicated to the emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing of construction workers and their families. As part of the partnership, Cala’s 250-strong site management team can receive bespoke mental health awareness training, reinforcing the homebuilder’s commitment to supporting the wellbeing of its construction team.

Additionally, all Cala employees and subcontractor colleagues will have access to Lighthouse’s Wellbeing Academy for free mental health and wellbeing training. The charity will host #MakeItVisible site tours across a number of the housebuilder’s construction sites, during which teams from Lighthouse deliver sessions and promote the invaluable support services they provide. The charity’s trained Mental Health First Aiders with firsthand industry experience provide direct support to the workforce, fostering wellbeing and potentially saving lives.

Kevin Whitaker, Chief Executive of Cala Homes, said: “We’re incredibly proud to continue our support for Samaritans and embark on this new partnership with Lighthouse.

“Both partnerships are not only funding crucial suicide prevention services but are also empowering and equipping our teams with vital skills and resources. Our long-standing relationship with Samaritans has laid a strong foundation of wellbeing support and tools across the Cala business and our teams will continue to benefit from the guidance and fundraising opportunities this partnership offers.

“The introduction of Lighthouse adds a layer of highly targeted support, focused on our site-based employees and contractors, where it is often needed most. Lighthouse’s team has direct experience in the industry, giving them a meaningful understanding of the challenges faced by our teams on site, and enabling Cala to direct expert training and support precisely where it is needed.”

Sonya Trivedy, Executive Director of External Engagement at Samaritans, said: “For the last five years, Cala colleagues have shown incredible dedication in supporting Samaritans’ work – whether that be through fundraising, lending their skills to improve branches, or raising awareness of our vital services. We are delighted that Cala have chosen to celebrate their 150th anniversary by extending our partnership for another year so we can continue to improve mental health in the construction industry and ensure fewer people die by suicide.”

Sarah Bolton, CEO of Lighthouse Charity, said: “We are delighted to have the support of Cala as a Company Supporter of the Lighthouse Charity. Their pledge is invaluable in supporting the emotional, physical and financial wellbeing of construction workers and their families. Moreover, their pro-active stance on promoting a positive wellbeing culture will ensure that their teams know how to reach out for support if they need it and encourage open conversations where people feel supported.”

The announcement comes as Cala celebrates its 150^th anniversary, having been established in Aberdeen as a land management company in 1875. Going on to build homes since 1976, the anniversary year provides an opportunity to recognise Cala’s heritage and exciting future, and the positive impact the business has had, and continues to have, on people and communities across the UK.

Kevin added: “Our 150th anniversary is the perfect time for us to reflect on our journey and look to the future as we reaffirm our commitment to everyone who interacts with our business – our customers, subcontractors, employees, and the communities we are part of.

Supporting each individual who engages with Cala is ingrained in our DNA, and our ongoing investment in our people and their wellbeing remains as strong as ever.”