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Ford And The Lighthouse Construction Industry’s Charity ‘Make It Visible’ Mental Health Campaign Transforms 284 Lives

  • Make it Visible now ranks as the national mental health and wellbeing campaign for the construction industry
  • The initiative was launched by the Lighthouse Charity in February 2022 and bolstered by two Ford vehicles
  • Covering thousands of miles, the high visibility vehicles have visited construction sites across the UK and Ireland
  • Make it Visible has been awarded Best Automotive Campaign by Campaign magazine for its value and impact in community

Dunton UK, Feb. 6, 2024 – Latest figures from Ford’s Make it Visible (MiV) mental health campaign, in partnership with the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, demonstrate its vital role in improving mental health and wellbeing within the industry.

Two construction workers are lost to suicide every day*. The UK’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer of 58 years collaborated with the Lighthouse Charity to raise awareness of resources and support available to the construction industry, to help workers with their mental health and wellbeing.

MiV’s Ford Transit Custom vans, driven by the charity’s Make it Visible team have visited 600 sites in the last 18 months, engaged with over 37,000 workers, and provided critical intervention support to 284 at-risk individuals.

The Ford vans have ensured that the charity is able to reach more sites to deliver wellbeing advice and signpost construction workers to the wealth of support available. "The MiV graphics on the van grab people’s attention and by sharing our own experiences we can open a conversation. It all starts from there,” says Andy Bishop, a member of the MiV team alongside Robert Muldoon and Lee Anderson who talk about the team's work in this accompanying video. “Without the MiV on site initiative we wouldn’t have been able to impact so many lives."

“Wellbeing is at the crux of all the progress we intend to make as a company and Make it Visible is our pledge to make a tangible difference where it counts the most,” said Mandy Dean, Commercial Vehicles director, Ford of Britain and Ireland, “Witnessing our vans evolve into symbols of hope and support and hitting milestones, fills us with a deep sense of pride and greater responsibility. This campaign reflects our collective commitment to positive social impact and shaping a better future for the communities we serve.”

Lighthouse Charity is exploring more ways to deliver the MiV message, including a dedicated vehicle for construction-related trade shows and exhibitions.

Make it Visible was crowned the Best Campaign in the Automotive Category by Campaign Magazine, applauding the automobile brand’s focus on mobilising resources for impactful initiatives that extend beyond the roads.

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Notes to Editor:

1.    *Source: Office of National Statistics, Suicides in the UK and Ireland 2011-2020.

2.    For more information on the campaign, please visit Ford Motor Company and MiV info.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, who is committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities, and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of those customers. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, as well as connected services. Additionally, Ford is establishing leadership positions in mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 182,000 people worldwide. More information about the company, its products and Ford Credit is available at corporate.ford.com.

Contact:

Oliver Rowe

Corporate and brand communications manager

Ford of Britain & Ireland

orowe@ford.com

+447802677983

 

Ann Priya Noble

Press officer, brand and corporate communications

Ford of Britain & Ireland

anoble18@ford.com

+447330923076