Leading charity head Mossie Lyons has been announced as the keynote speaker for this year’s Big Construction Diversity Challenge.
Mossie is the director of homeless and substance misuse support organisation Kairos Community Trust in London, which has strong links with BCDC’s partner charity CRASH.
“We couldn’t have done what we have without CRASH,” he says. “CRASH has helped us provide rooms - and those rooms are lifesaving for the people using them. Every room is the chance for someone to lie down in a clean bed, to have their own space, and develop their own direction into their own future.”
The Big Construction Diversity Challenge is taking place on Friday, June 19.
Designed to support and promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) across the construction sector, the unique team-based event combines the fun of It’s A Knockout with the mental challenge of The Krypton Factor, creating a memorable experience with a meaningful mission.
It aims to tackle serious diversity issues within the UK construction industry head-on by bringing the sector together through its inspiring activities - while raising funds for CRASH. Kairos, too, is dedicated to providing opportunities for and encouraging a diverse range of people.
Kairos Community Trust is focused on helping homeless men and women with drug and alcohol addictions, which it offers through its abstinence-support hostel, rehabilitation programmes and 32 supported move-on houses. The support of CRASH has been invaluable for more than 20 years.
“With the help of its Corporate Patrons, CRASH has provided pro-bono and discounted building materials for the development of our houses and the refurbishment of our rooms,” explains Mossie. “CRASH also offers support with expertise from within the construction industry, including architects, structural engineers, and surveyors; and professionalism in planning the development of a place to seeing it through. It also offers small cash grants where possible, which it has done for Kairos projects in the past"
A previous CRASH project manager said ‘all we’ve done is help refurbish a room, but that room reinforces recovery through meetings, personal support plans, and is targeted towards independent living. That room is priceless.’
“That room is a changing room! We are the bridge between addiction and homelessness and normal living.”
Mossie adds: “Events like The Big Construction Diversity Challenge are important because diversity is about promoting and embracing opportunities for everyone.”
Vicky Binley, Director of Nimble Media, which created and organises The Big Construction Diversity Challenge, says: “We are delighted to have Mossie Lyons as our keynote speaker.
“He shares our passion for equality, diversity and inclusion, not just in the construction industry but in all areas of life, and it is wonderful to hear how the construction industry and teamwork can help to support people to recover and regain their lives.”
For more information on how to enter a team or support the event, contact Nimble Media:T: 01780 432930 | E: igconstruction@nimblemedia.co.uk | W: constructiondiversitychallenge.co.uk
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