The North East region of the Lighthouse Charity has announced the appointment of Gary Brannighan, as a new committee member.
Gary brings a wealth of experience from his role as business development manager at Hodgson Sayers and joins an established group of industry professionals including; Sarah Sidey, national accounts director at recruitment specialist, Daniel Owen and regional chair of the Lighthouse Charity in the North East; Angela Carney, managing director at Carney Consultancy; Catriona Lingwood, chief executive at Constructing Excellence North East; Sarah O’Mahoney, director at Bradley O’Mahoney; Nick Redpath, operations director at Northern Counties Safety Group; Debbie Flynn, executive at the Health and Safety Executive and Ray Elliot founder of NE1 Mental Health.
All committee members volunteer their time to proactively raise awareness of the charity and deliver a number of fundraising events throughout the year to raise much needed funds to support the vital support services it provides to the construction community.
The appointment comes at a landmark moment for the Lighthouse Charity, as 2026 marks its 70th anniversary. The charity was founded in 1956 in the North East, when a group of construction professionals gathered beneath the beacon of St Mary’s Lighthouse in Whitley Bay and pledged to create an organisation that would provide fellowship, care and support for those working in the industry.
The Lighthouse Charity provides 24/7 holistic support to the UK and Ireland construction community on all aspects of emotional, physical and financial wellbeing.
It offers a free and confidential helpline, live web chat service and text facility which provides support on a variety of wellbeing issues. These services are complemented by a free self-support app and Lighthouse Beacons that provide a safe space for people to share concerns. The charity also offers free training through its Wellbeing Academy and its #MakeItVisible on site visits deliver support to the front-line trades.
Gary Brannighan, said, “Promoting wellbeing within construction is something I am deeply committed to. Ours is an industry that comes with unique pressures and its vital people can speak openly and access support without fear or stigma. At Hodgson Sayers, the health and wellbeing of our people is a priority and joining the Lighthouse Charity committee allows me to help amplify the message that no one in construction should face life’s challenges alone. I’m proud to support the charity’s work and play a role in helping it reach even more people.”
Sarah Sidey, regional chair of the Lighthouse Charity in the North East, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Gary to the North East committee at such a significant time in the charity’s history. Since its beginnings here in the North East 70 years ago, it has ensured construction workers and their families have somewhere to turn to for support.
“Today, that mission is more relevant than ever. Gary brings strong industry insight and a genuine commitment to wellbeing, which will be invaluable as we continue to raise awareness of the charity’s free, confidential support and encourage cultural change across construction. Together, we want to make sure every worker knows that help is available, support is accessible and that asking for help is a sign of strength.”
Find out more about the Lighthouse Charity North East and their upcoming events