Need help?
Whatever's going on — at work, at home or in your head — you don't have to deal with it on your own. Every service on this page is free and independent of your employer and college.
Talk to someone now
Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity
The building trade's own charity, for anyone working in construction and their families. Their helpline is open 24/7.
Call 0345 605 1956 lighthousecharity.org — they also have a self-help appSamaritans
Talk about anything that's getting to you, any time of day or night. Free from any phone and it won't show on your bill.
Call 116 123Childline
If you're under 19 — about anything at all, big or small.
Call 0800 1111 childline.org.uk — online chat tooNHS 111 — mental health
For urgent mental health help when it isn't an emergency. Call 111 and choose the mental health option.
Call 111Problems at work
Being treated badly?
Bullying, being shouted at or picked on, or not being given the training you were promised is not "part of the job".
- Tell someone you trust — your tutor or your college's safeguarding lead, a supervisor you get on with, or someone at home.
- Write it down — what happened, when, and who saw it. It helps whoever you take it to.
- Free, confidential advice on your rights at work: Acas, 0300 123 1100, Monday to Friday 8am–6pm.
Asked to work unsafely?
Working live when it should be dead, no proper isolation, no lock-off, wrong kit — you should never be pushed into it.
- Stop and say no. Your safety comes before any job.
- Raise it with your supervisor, employer or a safety rep first if you can.
- Still not sorted? Report it to the Health and Safety Executive: hse.gov.uk — workplace concerns.
Pay and training time
- Minimum pay for apprentices is £8.00 an hour (from 1 April 2026) if you're under 19, or 19+ and in your first year. After that you get the minimum wage for your age.
- At least 20% of your hours should be training (off-the-job) — college, study and learning time count.
- Holiday pay — you're an employee, so you get paid holiday like everyone else.
Money worries
Struggling with rent, debt, tools or travel costs is common, especially early on. The Lighthouse helpline above can help with money problems too, and Citizens Advice gives free advice on debt and benefits.
citizensadvice.org.ukWorried about a mate?
If someone on site has gone quiet, isn't themselves, or says something that worries you — ask them how they're really doing, and listen. You don't need the answers. Point them to this page or the numbers above, and if you think they're in danger, call 999.
These services are run by independent organisations, not iZapp. Numbers checked October 2026. iZapp help