Category: Case Study

How an Electrician and His Family Navigated Their Daughter’s Mental Health Crisis

When Stephen discovered that his teenage daughter was suffering from serious mental health issues, the whole family was shaken. School stress and family turmoil had eroded her confidence and coping ability.

Determined to help, Stephen reached out to the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC), accessing their Employee and Family Support Programme (EFP) – a confidential, industry-specific support service designed to support individuals and families through complex challenges.

From the outset, the EIC took a holistic view of the situation, understanding that supporting Stephen’s daughter also meant supporting Stephen himself. The Charity arranged six sessions of expert counselling with a therapist specialising in adolescent mental health. These sessions gave his daughter a secure and confidential space to express her feelings, understand her triggers, and learn effective emotional regulation strategies.

At the same time, the EAP provided emotional support for Stephen. Caring for a depressed or anxious child can take a significant toll on a parent’s wellbeing. The EAP’s confidential support meant Stephen had someone to talk to, someone who understood the pressures he was under. This helped reduce his own stress and strengthened his ability to support his daughter.

The integrated approach – offering emotional care for both father and daughter –exemplifies the EIC’s commitment to families. It recognises that mental health challenges in one person affect the entire household and can threaten family stability, relationships, and work performance. The EFP addressed these ripple effects head-on, with tailored support that tackled the emotional and practical consequences of the crisis.

Throughout the process, dedicated case workers maintained regular contact, checked in on progress, and adjusted the support as needed. This continuity ensured that the counselling helped more than just short‑term stabilization – it promoted long-term resilience, emotional growth, and family cohesion.

Stephen described the turnaround as “remarkably positive” – his daughter began engaging again at school, family tensions eased, and his own peace of mind returned. For Stephen, the EFP wasn’t just about receiving help – it was about being supported in a way that respected his professional life, personal strength, and family responsibilities.

Learn more about the EFP.

“Having a disabled child is like being very lost in a world you have never been in before.”

Mark has served 18 years in the electrical industry. He lives with his wife Lisa, in their own home in York with their 7-year-old daughter Lily, 2-year-old son Ben and 6-year-old son Max, who is severely disabled.

Max was born very prematurely at 26 weeks gestation. At 1 year old, he was diagnosed with Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, Dystonia, and Chronic Lung Disease. Max is wheelchair bound and unable to do anything for himself. He cannot see or communicate. Mark and Lisa were lifting Max everywhere in the house, including up the stairs. As he grew, he got heavier and more difficult to lift, which became a safety issue.

Mark and Lisa needed a full 2-storey extension to their home to enable a through floor lift to be built, which would transport Max up to his bedroom and wet room. The extension would also include a separate storage room for Max’s equipment (2 x chairs, standing frame, walking frame, specialist bike etc.). The total cost of the adaptation works, including the council fees, is over £80. Mark and Lisa were awarded a Disabled Facilities Grant of £30k, a council loan of £10K (secured against the property), and a further £4K from other charities. This, combined with Mark and Lisa’s own savings of £10K, still left them with a shortfall of £26K.

In addition to this adaptation, the family was quoted £21k for a loft conversion. Max and Ben were currently sharing a bedroom, but this would not be possible once the bedroom was converted for Max’s needs. The through floor lift would be coming up into the bedroom and the ceiling track hoist would be fitted along with Max’s hospital bed and wheelchair, meaning no room for a bed for Ben. The couple had extended their mortgage to meet this cost.

Max also has ABR Therapy for £5k per annum, but the family try to fundraise to meet part of this cost. There is always additional expenditure in caring for a disabled child, and Max will need care for the rest of his life. Mark and Lisa were in their financial position simply because they were trying to make life better for Max as any parent would.

The Electrical Industries Charity agreed to meet the shortfall of £26K, allowing Mark and Lisa to get this essential expansion done on their home. On top of this, we teamed up with Edmundson Electrical through the EIC’S Practical Support Programme (PPP). Edmundson agreed to provide the family with essential electrical equipment needed to get their renovations done and ease some of the financial pressure.

Lisa says: “There are so many ways to say thank you, but none of them will express how we really feel. When Max was born so premature we were uncertain if he would survive. To then be told that Max would never walk, talk and would be confined to a wheelchair brought a whole roller coaster of emotions. Having a disabled child is like being very lost in a world you have never been in before.”

“As a mum, I felt so helpless, scared and worried for Max and I just wanted to wrap him up in cotton wool and protect him from everyone. After fighting for the last six years for help getting Max everything he needs to move forward and support him in our world, we have become a family that is used to being told NO. Most of the time we feel every day is a fight.”

“So when someone like The Electrical Industries Charity & Edmundson Electrical say YES all the locked up emotions suddenly come flooding out. We didn’t stop crying for a whole week — someone actually wants to help us. You will never know or understand how much this means to us and you have suddenly made our lives a whole lot easier and for that we are truly grateful.”

“Having the electrical equipment Edmundson’s have supplied for Max is fantastic. I would not have known where to start. It has worked really well between the electrician and Edmundson’s. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Learn more about the Practical Support Programme.

Domestic Abuse Survivor Rebuilds a Sense of Security

Life doesn’t offer a warning when things fall apart. For those working in the electrical and energy sectors, the demands of the job leave little room to navigate personal crises alone. Caitlin’s experience is a striking example of how small acts of generosity can lead to meaningful change.

Following a traumatic domestic incident, Caitlin found herself facing fear, uncertainty, and emotional exhaustion. The impact seeped into every aspect of her life – including her work. Confidence gave way to anxiety, and each day became harder to manage. But one thing made a difference: someone noticed, and took action.

Caitlin’s manager reached out to the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC), setting in motion a support plan tailored to her unique situation. From the first contact, the EIC responded swiftly and compassionately.

Upon receiving the call, the EIC immediately set up safety planning to protect Caitlin and restore a sense of control. She was given access to legal advice so she could understand her rights and explore next steps, as well as professional counselling to help her process the emotional weight of the experience.

Over the months that followed, Caitlin began to rebuild her sense of security. Step by step, she regained her footing, reconnected with her role, and found renewed confidence in both life and work. Her story reflects what’s possible when practical help is delivered with heart.

The Charity’s holistic approach addressed not just the crisis itself, but the ongoing effects on Caitlin’s life and career. Over the course of several months, she was able to regain her confidence and stability, all while continuing her important work in the industry.

While stories like Caitlin’s demonstrate the vital importance of immediate assistance, the EIC also provides ongoing support through two key programmes:

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Offering confidential 24/7 counselling and advice for personal or work-related issues
• Practical Support Programme (PPP): Mobilising industry skills and resources to help with home modifications, safety upgrades, and accessibility improvements

 

The Practical Support Programme was used to assist Caitlin, allowing her a way out of her situation. The Electrical Industries Charity invites individuals and companies within the electrical and energy sectors to support this essential programme by volunteering time, skills, materials and equipment to help deliver essential building modifications – particularly for those needing disability access. This initiative reduces project costs and ensures vital upgrades can be completed efficiently. Once registered, PPP partners are contacted on an as-needed basis to contribute their expertise where it’s needed most.

Learn more about the Practical Support Programme.

“Without the Support From the EIC’s Employee Assistance Programme, I Don’t Know Where I’d Be.”

When financial hardship pushes people to the brink, it can affect every area of life – from mental health and family stability to performance at work. Charlie’s story is a powerful example of how the Electrical Industries Charity’s (EIC) Employee and Family Support Programme (ESP) provides vital, life-changing support to workers across the electrical industry. 

Charlie had been struggling under the weight of months of financial strain. His family had moved into a home with an interest-only mortgage that was nearing its end, leaving them anxious about their future. His wife’s zero-hours contract added further uncertainty, particularly with two young children to care for. Over time, the pressure became overwhelming. 

Recognising the signs of distress, Charlie’s manager referred him to the EIC’s Employee Assistance Programme. This confidential service offers tailored support to employees facing financial or emotional challenges – precisely what Charlie needed at such a critical moment. 

The support team quickly made contact, offering empathy and practical guidance. Together, they developed a plan to address both Charlie’s immediate financial concerns and his deteriorating mental health. The EIC provided emergency financial support to help ease short-term money worries, giving Charlie and his family some much-needed stability while longer-term solutions were explored. 

Alongside this, Charlie was set up with professional counselling sessions. These sessions provided a safe, non-judgemental space to talk openly about his fears and anxieties. Over time, he learned effective coping strategies that helped rebuild his confidence, strengthen his resilience and restore a sense of hope for the future. 

Throughout his journey, Charlie was supported by the ongoing care and guidance of the EIC, ensuring he never felt alone. This holistic approach reflects the EIC’s commitment to tackling the root causes of hardship – not just the symptoms. 

Charlie credits the EIC with saving his life and helping him remain present for his family.

“Without the support from the EIC’s Employee Assistance Programme, I don’t know where I’d be,” he says.

If you or a colleague is struggling, the EIC is here to help. Find out more about our Employee and Family Support Programme here. Your wellbeing matters – don’t hesitate to reach out. 

“In a Much Better Place” How an Electrical Professional Overcame Grief

When personal tragedy strikes, balancing grief with professional responsibilities can feel overwhelming. This was the experience of Joseph, an electrical industry professional, whose world was turned upside down following the loss of his brother. Struggling with depression, Joseph found it increasingly difficult to cope.

Joseph’s manager recognised the signs and made a crucial intervention, referring him to the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC). The EIC supports individuals and families in the electrical and energy sectors through its confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). This confidential service provides vital practical support, including access to counselling, legal and debt advice, career support, bereavement services, and specialist interventions tailored to individual circumstances – all designed to boost wellbeing and resilience.

Upon referral, Joseph was swiftly connected with a dedicated EIC case manager. With empathy and care, this manager took the time to truly understand his specific circumstances and the profound impact of his loss. Together, they explored the most appropriate and effective support options available through the EAP. The EIC arranged for Joseph to receive six intensive sessions with a highly skilled professional therapist. This therapist possessed specialised experience in guiding individuals through the intricate processes of bereavement and navigating complex mental health challenges.

During these confidential counselling sessions, Joseph found a safe, non-judgemental space where he could openly express his grief and candidly discuss the overwhelming impact his brother’s passing had exerted on his mental health. For the very first time since his brother’s tragic death, Joseph felt truly heard, understood, and supported. The therapeutic process provided him with the essential tools and a structured environment to meticulously process his raw emotions, enabling him to develop healthier and more effective coping strategies. This marked the vital beginning of his arduous, yet ultimately successful, journey toward healing and recovery.

After completing the six therapeutic sessions, a significantly improved Joseph shared powerful feedback with his EIC case manager: he was “in a much better place.” He eloquently described the support he had received as truly invaluable, highlighting its profound role in helping him systematically rebuild his resilience and steadily regain a crucial sense of stability in both his personal life and his demanding professional career. The guidance he received helped him rebuild resilience, restore stability in his personal life, and re-engage with his work and relationships with renewed energy.

Joseph’s story highlights the critical role the Electrical Industries Charity plays in supporting those who keep our world powered. Through timely access to professional counselling, financial support, and expert guidance, the EIC ensures that no one in this essential industry ever has to face hardship, tragedy, or overwhelming personal challenges alone. They are there, providing a bedrock of support for those who power our lives.

Whether it’s through bereavement counselling, family support, legal advice, mental health services, or financial aid – the support offered by the EIC is vital for keeping our industry colleagues healthy and supported. Read all about the EFP here.