At First Response Site Services, we have always taken Social Value seriously. It is why we became founding members and main sponsors of the Construction Sport Foundation, a charity built on the simple idea that sport can save lives.
Two workers in our industry take their own lives every single day. These are our colleagues, subcontractors, the people we work alongside on sites across the country. It is far too many.
This April our very own Steve Smart, along with sponsors, construction workers & international athletes are cycling 200 km from London to to the Sizewell Power Station to raise funds and awareness for Construction Sport. It is a tough challenge but huge respect to all those taking part.
We are asking our clients, partners and friends to stand with us. Whether you donate, sponsor a mile, claim a square on the Donopoly Board, or simply share what we are doing, every single contribution matters.
Thank you for your support.
Danny Blundell Director, First Response Site Services
Construction has the highest suicide rate of any industry in the United Kingdom.
The culture of the sector; long hours, job insecurity, time away from home, physical demands, and a tradition of ‘getting on with it creates conditions where mental health struggles go unspoken and unsupported.
Then there is the trauma that can be caused by witnessing what can be catastrophic accidents on site. It all takes it’s toll and PTSD in construction is a real thing.
The answer is to find a way for those struggling to feel free to talk about how they feel, without someone telling them to man up. It’s an illness. Talking about how you feel really does help. And what better way to do that then taking part in physical activities with like minded people.
That’s why we support the Construction Sport Foundation.
We aren’t ticking a box we are riding 200 miles and providing construction workers with a proactive way to get involved, let off steam and talk to their fellow construction workers.
for Steve and looking forward to his stories of the event.
STEVE SMART
First Response Site Services
SMART BY NAME
ZERO MILES. NO TRAINING.
When asked if he’d like to take part in a 200-mile sponsored cycle ride, Steve said yes without hesitation before going home and whipping the stabilisers from his bike.
He has refused advice to purchase ‘Bum Butter’ because he’s worried what the ladies in accounts will make of it on his expense form. We said it would be fine, just don’t tick the ‘entertaining client’ box, whatever you do..!
Geoff Vincent GVR Construction Recruitment
Geoff is a founding member of the charity and main sponsor. He is also a seasoned cycling expert, who navigated the steep inclines of Cheddar Gorge, during the Hinckley to Sizewell charity bike ride.
But Geoff crashed doing 2 miles an hour & landed in a sea of stinging nettles. Ouch! It can happen to anyone (he claimed). His bruised ego, broken chain & stinging skin, didn’t stop him from smashing the ride & doing the post race interviews with a smile.
Rocky Clark MBE
England Women’s Rugby - 137 International Caps
One of the most decorated players in the history of English women’s rugby, Rocky Clark MBE earned 137 caps for England over an extraordinary career spanning more than a decade. A World Cup winner and Grand Slam champion, so this 200 km ride shouldn’t be any trouble for Rocky.
Tamara Taylor
England Women’s Rugby - 100+ International Caps
Tamara is one of the most respected forwards in the history of the England Women’s team, earning over 100 international caps across a distinguished career. A multiple Grand Slam winner and World Cup finalist, Tamara is used to performing under pressure. The 200 km journey from London to Suffolk is unlikely to faze her too much.
Donna Kennedy
Scotland Women’s Rugby -100+ International Caps
Donna Kennedy has been at the heart of Scottish women’s rugby for over a decade, earning more than 100 caps in a career of dedication and consistency. Donna brings a competitive edge and a brilliant sense of humour to the team, two qualities that will both be tested in equal measure along the 200 km journey when pain starts to bite. But as with Rocky & Tamara, we are confident Donna will smash it...!
1. MAKE A DONATION
You can make a donation by visiting:www.justgiving.com/pages/firstresponsementalhealth
Your donation is paid directly to Construction Sport Foundation, the charity we have supported since it first started. Thank you.
2. SPONSOR A LOCATION on the DONOPOLY Board from £250.
1. Your company name on the Donopoly Board.
2. A sign with your company logo / name at the location with a team photo.
3. A feature of your business in our post ride brochure.
4. An invitation to take part in future events. 5. A MASSIVE thank you from us for supporting this fantastic cause.
Too often, Social Value can become a tick box exercise. A requirement to fulfill.
That’s why we are proud to support proactive charities & initiatives that make a difference to the people within our industry.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Genuine wellbeing benefits, will greatly improve peoples lives.
BREAK THE STIGMA
Like minded people can share how they feel; and it’s great to talk.
SHOW YOU REALLY CARE
Send the message to your teams that you do value them .
In 2026 First Response are taking our commitment even further. Our goal is simple. Create more opportunities, so our customers can participate, sponsor and raise their social value profile via sports based initiatives. Building a community in this way will ensure that everyone is a winner.
More opportunities for our customers.
Increased Social Value awareness programs.
Ways to boost your brand awareness.
In 2026 we aim to push on and deliver for our clients.
Construction Sport is a sport-based mental health charity dedicated to the construction industry. It provides a range of sporting events to raise awareness and help ‘tackle’ the many issues surrounding mental health in our industry.
The MILITARY and EMERGENCY SERVICES use sport to combat mental health, so why should construction be any different?
After all, Construction operatives face many of the same challenges, it’s just different ‘bullets they’re dodging.
As founding members & main sponsors of Construction Sport, First Response are committed to doing as much as we can to help the people working in the industry.
We chose to support the charity 7 years ago and it has gone on from strength to strength.
It provides a pro-active alternative to mental health awareness and a fun day out too, providing a useful break from the day to day routine..
Bringing people together
These events bring people together, provide an opportunity to let off steam and most importantly raise awareness of mental health. This helps to remove the stigma and educates everyone that it’s okay to talk about their problems.
There are a range of events, including Golf Days, Cycle Rides, Marathon Treks, Rugby, Pelaton Challenges, Football & much more besides.
A tangible way to help raise awareness & provide construction operatives with a chance to let off steam. This is not a tick box exercise, this is really caring.
Interested?
Speak to your usual First Response contact and they’ll get the ‘ball rolling’.
