JTL has joined forces with the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) to help raise awareness of a range of welfare services available to the electrical sector.
The EIC offers free of charge and confidential services to electrical workers (and their partners) facing personal or work-related challenges, whether financial, legal, emotional or health-related. Help is said to include telephone counselling, legal and debt advice, scholarships and financial grants.
Jon Graham, Chief Executive at JTL, commented: “This is a really important initiative and we are delighted to be able to support the EIC spread the word about the valuable practical and financial help they provide especially in alleviating work-related stress.
“We are keen to make sure that our young learners are aware of the assistance available to them through the EIC. We believe JTL can play a key role in de-stigmatising mental health issues across the industry and highlight where help can be found.
“It is estimated that as many as one in six workers experience stress, anxiety or depression, and mental health issues are more apparent in the construction industry than in many other sectors. Despite this, mental health is often seen as a taboo subject so it is really important that the industry provides a safe environment where people can share their concerns and hopefully – with the help of the EIC’s expert advisors – find a way to manage or recover from their health problems.”
Although the EIC exists to serve the electrical sector, the charity has opened up its services to all JTL learners and employers working in the building services industries.
Tessa Ogle, Managing Director and CEO of the EIC, added: “We’re delighted to be able to welcome everyone involved with JTL – employers and students alike – to our scheme. Any opportunity to cast our net wider and make contact with people working in the electrical industry, especially those who may not already be aware of the EIC and the services we provide, is great news for us. Our mission is to meet the wellbeing needs of each individual in the industry and spreading the word amongst young people is a critical part of that, allowing us to offer support throughout their careers.”
Electrician, Brian O’Rourke, sought help from the EIC through his employer in 2016 when he developed depression and an increasing dependency on alcohol. He received private rehabilitation and family therapy from the charity.
Brian commented: “There may be a lot of people who will not admit to having a problem like mine because they feel ashamed. But once you admit it, you can start to move forward with your life. If you need help, the EIC is there to offer the free support you need. They will help you – not might but will. My life just now feels blessed … and I will be forever grateful.”
The EIC can be contacted on 0800 652 1618 or at [email protected]. The phones are manned between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday, and from 8am to 1pm on Saturday and Sunday.
