During Mental Health Awareness Week 2026, NICEIC, a certification body for the UK’s electrical contracting industry, is urging all those working in the electrotechnical sector to take time to prioritise mental wellbeing and take action to support colleagues in need of support.
This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week focuses on the theme of ‘Action’, emphasising that while awareness is important, real change comes from practical steps to support mental health in our workplaces, communities, and daily lives.
For those working in the electrical sector and wider trades, the need for action is especially important. Research shows that 62% of tradespeople feel mental health isn’t discussed enough, highlighting a persistent stigma that prevents many from seeking help.
The Tools to Talk
To help tackle these challenges, NICEIC says it has developed The Tools to Talk, a dedicated mental health and wellbeing support toolkit for NICEIC-certified businesses, created in partnership with the Electrical Industries Charity.
Designed specifically for the needs of electricians and their teams, the initiative provides practical and accessible support, including:
• Resources to help recognise early signs of mental health challenges
• Conversation starters to make it easier to talk about mental wellbeing
• A quarterly mental wellbeing e-newsletter with expert advice and guidance
• Regular webinars exploring key issues and sharing lived experiences
• Signposting to professional support services, including charities and helplines
The toolkit aims to break down stigma and empower businesses to create open, supportive environments where people feel confident to speak up and seek help.
Driving change in the trade
Mental health challenges remain widespread across many industries, particularly in construction and the trades, where long hours, high pressure and job insecurity can take a toll.
Creating a culture where individuals feel able to talk openly is, NICEIC believes, a crucial step towards improving outcomes.
Danny Mouskovias, Learning and Wellbeing Manager at NICEIC, comments, “Tradespeople play an essential role in keeping our homes, businesses, and infrastructure running safely, but the realities of the job can bring long hours, high pressure, and isolation.
“Despite this, mental health is still too often something that isn’t openly discussed. We need to make it easier for people to start those conversations earlier, before issues escalate.
“The Tools to Talk is about giving individuals and teams the confidence, language, and support to look out for themselves and each other.”
Taking action
As Mental Health Awareness Week highlights, even small actions – from checking in with a colleague to accessing support resources – can make a meaningful difference.
NICEIC-certified businesses can access the toolkit at niceic.com/toolstotalk.
NICEIC says it encourages all certified businesses to explore the toolkit and prioritise mental wellbeing, not just during this week, but throughout the year.
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