November/December 2019

I n 1904, ten men from the burgeoning electrical industry came together to discuss what might happen to“those who had spent their lives in establishing the electrical industry and had been unable to secure sufficient monetary recompense to support them if accident, infirmity, misfortune, or old age, limited their activities or curtailed their means”. These far-sighted, public-spirited men decided to do something about providing for industry colleagues who had fallen on hard times and each donated £10 (worth about £1,200 today) as a token of their intent. The product of their discussion, the Electrical Trades Benevolent Institution, was founded the following year, pre-dating the introduction of unemployment benefits in the UK by 15 years, and the launch of the National Health Service by a full 43 years. More than a century later, even though the UK’s welfare state now provides universal healthcare and state pensions, these resources are not limitless. More than 1.3 million people work in the electrical sector, 10% of whom will need help at some point. Consequently, the Electrical Trade Benevolent Institution – known today as the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) – is as active as ever. We know that when a challenge becomes overwhelming – whether personal or work- related – the impact can be devastating for the individual and for their family. We don’t just support the industry workers, our community model of care means we also look out for apprentices, employees, retired colleagues and their immediate families. We can help regardless of circumstances, health or age. In 1987, our youngest beneficiary was three years of age, whilst the oldest was 102. EIC programmes and services are provided free thanks to company donors, sponsors, volunteer committee members and fundraisers. When unforeseen circumstances arise or life deals a blow, a little extra help can make all the difference. Therefore, we support the electrical industries by providing access to financial grants and assistance for a wide range of needs from the everyday to the exceptional. These include disability adaptations, mobility equipment, home repairs and basic essentials such as heating and food. We also offer electrical engineering scholarships, career development and transition assistance, complex case management support, will- writing help, apprentice scholarships and bursary scheme, support for carers, legal advice, telephone counselling and debt advice. In 2019, we decided to focus, in particular, on mental health issues. One in six workers experience stress, anxiety or depression and these are some of the most common matters we deal with. However, 95% of people never discuss their feelings with a significant other. Poor mental health can manifest itself in many ways, from mild anxiety, depression or a mix of both, to severe phobias and addictions such as alcoholism. We are supporting our industry to become more proactive in understanding what mental health is and how we can maintain or improve our well-being. This is why, on top of providing mental health awareness and mental health first-aider training, we have created a mental health calendar. This tool provides information, stats and guidance on the services we can provide to you, a family member, colleague or employee. Each month looks at a factor that can affect mental health, including work- or family-related stress, financial problems such as debts, caring for loved ones, starting a family, or experiencing a family breakdown. As our health and mental well-being are important, so is our financial well-being. If we cannot keep our finances in check, this can lead to various mental health issues. What can you do, to stay on top of your finances? Christmas, although usually a joyful time of year, can also bring challenges. For many, Christmas puts an extra strain on their finances. Dealing with this is one of our services and is our focus for December’s entry into the mental health calendar. If you, a colleague or loved one are experiencing stress, anxiety or depression, and would like to find out more about the services the EIC offer, or would like to donate, please visit our Web site. You can also email us at support@electricalcharity.org for free and confidential advice. n www.electricalcharity.org “One in six workers experience stress, anxiety or depression and these are some of the most common matters we deal with. However, 95% of people never discuss their feelings.” November/December 2019 www.drivesncontrols.com 54 For a special guest column this month, Gambica* has invited Tessa Ogle, CEO of the Electrical Industries Charity, to look at the important topic of mental health. Gambica, which is located in the same building as the EIC, helps to raise funds for the charity at its annual lunch. * Gambica is the trade association for the automation, control, instrumentation and laboratory technology sectors in the UK. For more information, please contact 020 7642 8094 or visit www.gambica.org.uk Lending a helping hand to electrical workers