Suicide and mental health struggles remain some of the most urgent challenges facing the construction industry. In response, Willmott Dixon management trainees Ethan John and Hayden Smith led a team of volunteers to raise over £5,000 and engage more than 150 people through three targeted events.
Partnering with bigmoose, a South Wales charity specialising in mental health support and suicide prevention, the team created opportunities to raise awareness and develop life-saving skills.
Their work formed part of the Willmott Dixon Trainee Challenge, which gives trainees £500 in seed funding to lead community initiatives supporting the company's Now or Never sustainability strategy.
Donations from fundraising and gift aid amounted to £4,175 with an additional contribution from the Peter Willmott Foundation.
All proceeds went directly to the charity, helping fund therapy sessions, suicide prevention courses, and crisis support. The campaign also raised bigmoose’s profile across Willmott Dixon’s network, ensuring wider awareness of their 24/7 helpline and services.
The campaign focused on three core activities: suicide prevention training delivered by bigmoose at Bridgend College, charity quiz nights in Bristol, Cardiff, and Exeter, and personal challenges taken on by management trainees.
The individual, personal challenges were linked to improving mental health, and including walking, running, baking, and team quizzes with colleagues across the Wales and West region encouraged to participate.
Hayden Smith said:
“Personally, the challenge has strengthened our public speaking skills through presenting to large audiences. Professionally, it enhanced our project management, from planning and assigning roles to coordinating with Big Moose and delivering a successful event that raised awareness for their work.”
Ethan John said:
“By supporting bigmoose, we’ve helped fund vital mental health services for the construction industry, including extra therapy sessions, suicide prevention courses, and wider access to support, while raising their profile across South Wales and the South West to make these services more available and sustainable for years to come.”
Beyond the immediate financial contribution, the project created a lasting legacy: a culture shift toward open conversations about mental health and a clear pathway to support for anyone who needs it. The training and events brought the community together during a time when connection and support are more important than ever.
Louise O’Reilly, Events and Fundraising lead for Big Moose said:
“Thank you so much to everyone at Willmott Dixon for their incredible fundraising for bigmoose. We are so grateful for all of their support, and their donations will genuinely change lives, providing a lifeline to people struggling with their mental health."
