Mental Health Awareness Week and Learning at Work Week 2025 (LAW Week) are both taking place from 12-18 May, with the theme of ‘community’ for Mental Health Awareness week, and ‘get connected’ for LAW Week.
By combining these themes, NAPIT aims to connect through learning experiences that support mental wellbeing. This week, NAPIT is exploring how building community and connecting in the workplace have positive effects on our mental wellbeing.
Being part of a positive community helps us to feel supported and gives a sense of belonging. In hard times, having a community and connecting with people provides support, safety and helps us remember we are not alone.
To celebrate the power of community in support of mental health and wellbeing, throughout the week, NAPIT staff are encouraged to take part in an afternoon walk led by different staff members each day.
This allows staff to have the opportunity to spend time outdoors and connect with others. Nature plays a huge role in our wellbeing, and research shows that people who are more connected with nature are usually happier in life and more likely to report feeling their lives are worthwhile.
In a report from the Mental Health Foundation, it states that nature can generate many positive emotions, such as calmness, joy, and creativity and can facilitate concentration.
With this in mind, NAPIT staff are encouraged to go outside into the scenic nature surrounding our NAPIT HQ at the Pleasley Vale Mills in Derbyshire. This will help staff strengthen their connections, encourage positive discussions and get closer to nature.
NAPIT’s staff will also be able to take part in chat sessions with coffee, tea and cake to encourage more discussions and continue the opportunity to connect.
Commercial and Compliance Director, Stephen Melton, says, “We want to emphasise the importance of being part of a community and having a network of supportive people. Building connections can make such a difference in your mental wellbeing.
“At NAPIT, we are proud to be able to support our staff. I hope that we can encourage NAPIT members and all tradespeople to check in with each other and seek support if needed. We must learn and share how we can recognise mental health struggles and what support is available.
“Each year, NAPIT raises money for a chosen charity through different fundraising events. This year, our chosen charity is The Samaritans, a suicide prevention charity that has a 24/7 helpline for people thinking about suicide.
“We are proud to support The Samaritans and hope to continue to encourage more conversations and connections to improve mental health.”
NAPIT has put together the following resources and contacts that offer assistance:
Contacts
The Samaritans offers emotional support 24 hours a day – in full confidence. Writing an email can be a calm and safe way to work through what’s on your mind. Samaritans volunteers answer each email that comes through to jo@samaritans.org. It may take several days to receive a reply by email. If you need someone straight away, you can call 116 123 any time day or night.
SHOUT. For free, confidential support, 24/7, text SHOUT to 85258. If you are struggling to cope and need to talk, trained Shout volunteers are available day or night.
Lighthouse Charity. The Lighthouse Charity provides emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to the construction community and their families. Helpline: UK – 0345 605 1956, or email supportservices@lighthouseclub.org.
The Electrical Industries Charity (EIC). The EIC plays a vital role in the welfare and betterment of individuals associated with the electrical and energy industry. Helpline: 0800 652 1618, or email support@electricalcharity.org.
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