During these times of uncertainty brought on by the coronavirus, those in the electrical trade may find not only their business and work being negatively impacted, but also their mental health. The Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) is keen to outline what support it can provide to industry members. Please read on for our 3rd December update.
We understand this is a complex and difficult time for everyone. We are living in a time of great uncertainty and increasing worry about our health and livelihoods. We understand that the effect of COVID-19 on industry and income will be great and we will all be affected. In times of darkness and insecurity we want to let our Industry members know, that we will be here to help you.
Support for redundancy in Scotland - https://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/what-we-do/employability-skills/partnership-action-for-continuing-employment-pace/pace-toolkit-promoting-pace-services-and-support/
Insightful article from Harvard Business Review about burnout and the experience of loneliness; providing social infrastructure to protect against it - https://hbr-org.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/hbr.org/amp/2017/06/burnout-at-work-isnt-just-about-exhaustion-its-also-about-loneliness
Mindfulness and its important in combating stress, this article provides
Useful information on its practice and process - https://www-psychologytoday-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-new-resilience/202004/how-are-mindfulness-stress-and-your-well-being-connected?amp
Covid-19
Money Tips:
Money-saving guru Lara Joanna Jarvis has revealed her five tips which helped her save £25,000 in just one year
In 2019 Lara committed to a "no buy" year and banned herself from buying anything other than essential items.
30-day wish lists
Lara suggested leaving 30 days between putting someone on your wish list and buying it.
"I live by this rule. When I did my no-buy year for 2019 it was the foundation for changing my money mindset.
"If you want something then put it on your wish list and if you still want it after 30 days have passed you can allow yourself to buy it.
"It stops that impulse spending. Often, we’re not thinking things through.
"And I found that I never actually wanted to buy that thing at the end of that time," Lara explained.
Meal planning well in advance
"Meal planning not only alleviates the stress of trying to find something to eat, it saves you time, it saves you money, it makes you more organised.
"I do it backwards, so I will look at what I’ve already got, and I will then think of the recipe that will work for those ingredients.
"I will then meal plan, working out what we need for each day and write my shopping list accordingly.
"I have cut my food bill in half doing this," Lara said, revealing how she cut her food bill in half.
Avoid relying on your card
Paying with your card "devalues money" says Lara.
"Handing over a crisp note from the bank is so much more effective than just tapping your card, or even worse, tapping the app on your phone.
"It just devalues money so much; cash just makes it a bigger deal."
Take a picture of what makes you feel good
If you are addicted to clothes shopping, Lara suggests taking a picture every time you wear an outfit that makes you feel good.
Next time you think about wanting to buy a new outfit, you can look back to these pictures and re-wear the outfit.
Lara said: "This is directed at people who like wearing nice things. Take a photo of yourself when you like what you’re wearing.
"Whenever you feel like you haven’t got anything to wear you can look at your photos and pick out an outfit."
Remember why you're saving
Reminding yourself regularly what you are saving for and why is vital, Lara said.
Lara said: "We started this journey as a deposit saving journey and it was a reason to keep going when things were hard and you have to say no to going out with your friends or buying something.
"Know your why, write it down and always keep a look on it and congratulate yourself.
"Celebrate the little wins along the way and just keep your why in your vision because otherwise you’ll lose your way a little bit."
Sourced from - https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/money-saving-mum-two-reveals-19370293
Financial Relief
- The charity will consider providing small grants in immediate and urgent need.
- Provide advice to industry individuals regarding financial relief strategies and support services available to them.
- Provide support to employees worried about income, having to work and/or losing their employment.
- Strategies to implement immediately to soften the financial burden i.e. mortgage/rent holiday’s, freezing of gym memberships and others.
- Signposting to other welfare services and charities for support.
- Review of individual welfare benefits, your eligibility and support with the application process were necessary.
- Food vouchers if in immediate and urgent need.
Mental Health Support
- Self-isolation is likely to have a negative impact on our mental health and it is important we remain aware of this and try to buffer against it by putting support strategies in place. The EIC can recommend support strategies to help you cope through this time of isolation.
- Telephone and skype counselling are available to industry members.
- Psychiatric assessments for complex mental health issues are available to industry members.
- Signposting to other mental health support services and online services.
Symptoms, hygiene and self-isolation
- The EIC is recommending that individuals with pre-existing health conditions i.e. undergoing cancer treatment, heart disease, diabetes and others should self-isolated and managers need to be informed as soon as possible if you care for or reside with a family member or person who is deemed as having pre-existing health conditions. The EIC can provide further guidance to you if you feel unsure as to how to communicate this to your employer.
- Hygiene tips and resources
- Managing self-isolation
Confidential Helpline 0800 652 1618 and/or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.