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ECA North East Region supports industry charity

As lockdown restrictions begin to lift, the hope of a return to normal is a much-needed tonic. 

But a year of restrictions to our everyday lives has affected the way we all live and work. We’ve built new habits and found different ways to feel good about ourselves. 

For many, there will be challenges on the journey back, putting strains on our mental health. The Electrical Industry Charity (EIC) is there to help in times of uncertainty, when our responses may be disproportionate. 

We asked ourselves, what can we do the help these guys, what extra can we do? How can we turn this situation into a positive?

Take James, he worked in the electrical sector for nine years. Although he had a great support network, he spent a lot of time alone during the first lockdown. He wanted to do something productive and focused on becoming fitter. 

While exercise is a good way to keep healthy, and reduce stress, James began to develop an unhealthy obsession with exercise and diet. He spent hours scrolling Instagram and watching YouTube videos on fitness. James coveted the physiques of those on social media. He began to exercise twice daily and became obsessed by counting calories. 

James received very practical help from the EIC

On returning to full time work his obsession continued. James’ colleagues noticed his restrictive diet, obsessive nature and how withdrawn he’d become. If James didn’t exercise or exceeded his calorie limits, he became anxious and would sacrifice sleep or connecting with friends or family to exercise.

Through this period James received very practical help from the EIC.   The industry charity offers a vital safety net, financial and practical, to the electrical and energy sector when they need it most. This year it has been a struggle for many to donate to the charity and the well-regarded fundraising events, of course, cancelled.

Most ECA regions know first-hand the great work being done by EIC. In the NE Region most Members were once apprentices.  On hearing about the high rates of suicide among apprentices – two construction workers take their own lives every working day – they were deeply affected. In an industry where 20 per cent of all work absence is due to poor mental wellbeing, the EIC actively addresses the issue. 

For instance, it delivers Mental Health First Aider courses in partnership with ECA.  Branch Members wanted to help, and they wanted to give back to the industry.

Last year, Branch meetings moved into the virtual world. The Members wanted to do something good with the money saved from their 2020 room hire, travel and food. They decided to donate all their savings, over £11,000 to the EIC.

two construction workers take their own lives every working day

Steve Cressy, North East REC Branch Chair, commented on the decision made by the Region and its Branches:

“We asked ourselves, what can we do the help these guys, what extra can we do? How can we turn this situation into a positive?”

And what happened to James? He was fortunate. One of his colleagues had trained as an EIC Mental Health First Aider and approached him. James felt able to confide in them about his anxiety and obsessive behaviour. The Mental Health First Aider referred him to the EIC, who provided bespoke support and a free course of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). 

CBT is a talking therapy which focuses on reframing negative thoughts

CBT is a talking therapy which focuses on reframing negative thoughts and feelings that impact behaviour. It provides practical strategies to improve wellbeing. The EIC also provided James with a nutritionist who helped him to build a fitness and exercise plan to meet his goals without disruption to his daily life.

You can hear Tessa Ogle, CEO of EIC, talk more about the charity’s work on the ECA podcast

The vital work of the EIC can only happen with financial support from the industry. If you’d like to follow in the footsteps of the NE Region or donate in another way, please contact support@electricalcharity.org  

You can find out more about Mental Health First Aider courses here.

Last updated 07 April 21