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 14th January 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.
Practical consideration for postage using Royal Mail - https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/royal-mail-covid-blacklist-late-post-b1785909.html?utm_content=Echobox&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR3lt-XHQfZxoIIdCJ0mBdK5_XO-xjP6mtcw9lRAxTl8VFQ-IygfLp0bqRE#Echobox=1610451761
COVID-19: All four major supermarket chains to enforce mask wearing in shops
The moves come after the vaccines minister said there were concerns about behaviour in stores.
Asda was the latest to announce the policy, following statements from Morrison’s, Sainsbury's and Tesco.
The companies said entry would be denied to those not wearing masks unless they had a valid medical reason.
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John Lewis Partnership, which owns supermarket Waitrose, said it too was making face coverings mandatory and that it was also suspending click-and-collect services within John Lewis department stores.
Sainsbury's also said it would use security guards to challenge those shopping in groups.
WFH has presented new challenges and we have had to adapt quickly to our new environments. Here are some tips on how to be more aware of potential mistakes and to improve productivity - https://hbr-org.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/hbr.org/amp/2019/11/5-mental-mistakes-that-kill-your-productivity
Focus on what you have today! A psychologist perspective on how to support your mental health in 2021 - https://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-year-mental-health-skills-psychologist/?fbclid=IwAR29qZsSgAGRHlqJLEauQaZSO7odK3OciSkYjFrqvixQImZj7JUGqE9P2WE#app
More teachers, digital devices, and support for families. A new package of £45 million will help local authorities to provide support to schools and families as they deal with the challenges of remote learning during lockdown, Education Secretary John Swinney confirmed today. https://www.gov.scot/news/schools-funding/
Mental Health resources you can reach out to:
NHS urgent mental health helpline – short online quiz which will help you find the best mental health support in your area
Every mind matters – NHS mental health initative which offers long-term support
Mind Out – Mental health service designed for specifically LGBTQ+ community
Samaritans – Provides advice on mental health
Mind Infoline – online and telephone resource which provides a safe space to discuss concerns
The Mix – Free service for people under 25 offering short term support
Victim support – free service for children and young people who have been affected by crime
New Help for Domestic Abuse suffers
Anyone suffering abuse at home can now go to any pharmacy displaying the ANI sign and using the code word “ANI” (Action Needed Immediately) will be taken aside, given a phone and will ask if you need support from police or other domestic abuse support services. Remember – domestic abuse is not always physical violence it can include:
• coercive control and ‘gaslighting’
• economic abuse
• online abuse
• threats and intimidation
• emotional abuse
• sexual abuse
Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexuality, or background.
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.