NICEIC, the UK’s leading certification body for the electrical industry, is urging industry professionals to prioritise their wellbeing this Mental Health Awareness Week (13 – 19 May 2024).

According to data from the Office of National Statistics, it is understood that the risk of suicide for those working in the construction industry is 1.6 times higher than the national average*. With this in mind, NICEIC has taken proactive steps to highlight the importance of looking after mental health, as well as sharing resources and guidance for NICEIC-certified businesses.

The Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) provides free mental health support to tradespeople in the energy and electrical sector, and their families. Earlier this year, NICEIC announced the sponsorship the EIC’s new online learning platformfor students and apprentices. The free-to-access platform provides a range of resources including mental health first aid and awareness training, as well as suicide first aid, which aims to educate participants of the warning signs of suicide and initial support that can be provided.

NICEIC also has a webinar series, THE WIRE, that is available online with several episodes focused on mental health and wellbeing. These webinars provide tips on how to manage conflict and stress, as well as offering guidance on how professionals can support others dealing with mental ill-health.

NICEIC Learning and Wellbeing Manager, Danny Mouskovias, commented:“Mental health is a serious topic that we must continue to prioritise, especially as we seek to break the taboo and encourage professionals to talk more openly. We’re always looking at how we can provide more resources and education around the topic, and we encourage all electrical professionals to take a moment during Mental Health Awareness Week to prioritise their own wellbeing.”

This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme is ‘movement’, which recognises the benefits of making time to move more including reduced stress and anxiety, improved sleep, and self-esteem. The Mental Health Foundation has compiled a list of some small changes that can be incorporated into everyday life including:

• set small, achievable goals
• choose activities you enjoy that get you moving
• connect with others, whether that’s friends and family, workmates or a group that has similar interests
• plan things to look forward to
• listen to the music that gets you moving.

For more information, visit:

• mentalhealth.org.uk for information about Mental Health Awareness Week.
• electricalcharity.org to access the EIC’s free mental health support.
• electricalcharity.org/training-2/ to sign up for EIC’s online training portal.
• niceic.com to find out more about NICEIC’s services.