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 17^th 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. 

Christmas is going to be exceptionally challenging this year and this is a clear guide to how to prevent it becoming a Covid infected zone:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/explainers-55017034

Children at school and Coronavirus has brought many challenges including for their mental wellbeing. This is a helpful website with support for both children and parents on it, and indeed schools too.

https://www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/risks-and-protective-factors/coronavirus-supporting-childrens-mental-health/

With Covid still very much around, keeping children and families enjoying weekends and now the Christmas holidays might be challenging. This is a great link to find some wellbeing activities for you and your family.

https://www.place2be.org.uk/our-services/parents-and-carers/coronavirus-wellbeing-activity-ideas-for-families/

Lockdown’s, working from home and tier allocation has caused distress for everyone in different ways. Monday’s can feel quite bleak, here is support on how we uplift our Monday blues - https://ivypanda.com/blog/how-to-beat-the-monday-blues/

Stress is a normal experience but when do we know if it has turned into something more severe, this article provides information on identifiers that you need to seek support from your GP or an mental health professional for advice and guidance - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/erasing-stigma/202011/is-it-stress-or-something-more?utm_source=FacebookPost&utm_medium=FBPost&utm_campaign=FBPost&fbclid=IwAR1sxRPoyXZh-X_Wk92iiMU7fL6sSy5f1B9aEedfpbKdEZE__JhOi3L2HTE

Boundary development has felt impossible during the pandemic. Our days melt into one another and we have 24-hour access to us at home working stations. How do you break the pattern? Here is guidance on how to set boundaries - https://www.today.com/tmrw/how-set-healthy-boundaries-work-home-during-covid-19-t202257?fbclid=IwAR3iBufkYfv9fAw7U5fZfErzniOvTYRFuvPT7OMNKW-g87jHxRjZVCmbe68

       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.