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Ford van campaign focuses on mental health

10 June 2022

Ford van campaign focuses on mental health

The vehicle manufacturer Ford has teamed up with the Lighthouse Club construction industry charity to create a new mental health awareness initiative called Make it Visible.

The campaign will be based around imagery and messaging incorporating hi-viz safety vests, as well as themed promotional vans, to grab attention and point people in the direction of help when needed.

As many as two construction workers are lost to suicide every day, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Working with the Lighthouse Club, and construction contractors Balfour Beatty, Ford aims to actively promote well-being awareness amongst its van customers. 

“This campaign is hugely important to Ford and highlights the importance of mental well-being alongside physical well-being on the construction site”, said Mandy Dean, director, commercial vehicles, Ford of Britain and Ireland. 

The Make it Visible campaign follows on from Ford’s Elephant in the Transit launch from 2018, building awareness of male suicide and promoting the front seats of a vehicle as a safe space to talk.

The latest initiative sets out to provide counsellors a means to reach construction sites, with on-site posters matching the promotional vest’s colours. These posters will direct workers to a safe place to talk off-site, so more can seek help easily.

Bill Hill, CEO of the Lighthouse Charity, said: “These highly distinguishable vans will be visiting sites across the country to deliver visible support to the boots on the ground workforce. The vehicles are manned by the Lighthouse Club’s on-site team who are all mental health first aiders with relatable experiences in the construction industry. 

“I am convinced that this initiative will have a positive impact on workforce well-being and ultimately save lives,” he added.


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