As part of Mental Health Awareness Week (14-20 May), the JIB has launched an online resource to help its members promote a positive mental health environment in the workplace.
Working in partnership with Acas, EC Insurance Services, the Electrical Industries Charity and Mates in Mind, the guidance is broken into three key areas: prevention; intervention; treatment and support, to signpost useful tools and resources that are available to help JIB members at each stage.
In addition to the information for employers, a separate section specifically for individuals highlights what help is available if you’re seeking mental health support for yourself, or are trying to help a colleague.
Via the JIB Benefits Scheme, participating JIB members and their employees can access services such as telephone counselling and Bupa specialist mental health teams to help address problems at an early stage. Outside of the benefits scheme, all workers in the electrical industry can seek counselling support from the Electrical Industries Charity.
“Through this campaign, we are hoping to provide a simple reference point for JIB members and operatives looking for mental health support,” said Steve Brawley, JIB chief executive. “It’s not just a case of seeking treatment as a last resort – prevention and intervention measures can make a huge difference in supporting employees and minimising the impact that mental health issues can create for businesses and the individuals that are affected.”
