Left to right: Helen Wilson, Administrator; Kevin Willis, Contracts Manager; Louise Morgan, Company Accountant.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, Teesside based Intelect, are taking the opportunity to raise awareness amongst its staff, contractors and suppliers, of its renewed commitment to improving mental health services across its business and in the wider construction community.

Intelect, a supporter of The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, which provides financial and emotional support to the construction community and their families, will be organising a series of events, culminating in a ‘Lighthouse Day’ in September, where Intelect employees will be taking part in a Dragon Boat Race on the River Tees.

Nathan Jones, Group Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental Manager at Intelect said, “A big driver for the campaign is the fact that the leading cause of death for men aged 20-49 is suicide, and rates for any age group are among the highest in the construction industry, with an average of 2 construction workers taking their lives every day!

“I have worked in the construction industry for over 15 years, and I have seen first-hand how the pressure of dealing with mental health conditions can impact an employee. I have no doubt that the more we talk about mental health, the more we realise we are not alone and the better the outcomes become.”

Intelect’s support of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity helps to fund the charity’s helpline and mental health app. The free to access services provide a 24/7 safety net for all construction workers and their families, offering advice on welfare and mental wellbeing, emergency financial aid and support on legal, tax and debt management matters.

Intelect’s Director, John Thompson, said, “Everyone knows someone who has been affected by mental ill health, and will understand how important it is that help is available whenever and wherever someone needs it.

“As we enter Mental Health Awareness Week, we are proud to be backing the Lighthouse Club and its invaluable services, to let people know that potentially life-saving support is just a phone call away.”

Last year alone, the helpline supported 1,662 families in crisis and delivered nearly £1.5m in emergency financial aid.

Bill Hill, CEO of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity said, “On behalf of everyone at the charity, we would like to thank Intelect for helping us to spread the word about our 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline. With two construction workers taking their own life every single working day, it’s vital that no worker ever feels alone in a crisis.

“We provide both financial and emotional wellbeing support to everyone in the industry and their families and we can’t do that without the support of those companies within the industry, and those that support them.”

The 24/7 Construction Helpline can be reached by dialling 0345 605 1956.

Intelect’s Electrical Apprentice, Alex Mason, has been named the North East Electrical Apprentice of the Year, by training provider, JTL.

Alex, who is one of 30 apprentices currently employed by Intelect, fought off fierce competition from other final year apprentices in the region, after being nominated by his JTL training officer, Paul Moorcock.

Since starting his apprenticeship in 2013, Alex has made significant progress, completing his HNC in Electrical Engineering, alongside completing the final year of his apprenticeship.

“My apprenticeship was a great learning opportunity for me, as it not only gave me workplace skills, but also life skills too. It’s helped me get one step closer to my end career goal of becoming a Chartered Engineer”, said Alex.

“Winning the award definitely came as a surprise to me, but it’s nice to be recognised for all of my hard work” he continued.

His training officer, Paul Moorcock, nominated him for the award after being impressed by his progress over the past 4 years. “Alex was always very proactive in completing his apprenticeship, he completed his course 6 months earlier than expected”.

“He has embraced his apprenticeship, and really sees the value it contributes towards his future progression” he added.

Alex plans to continue his career with Intelect, and has recently started a degree apprenticeship in Embedded Electronic Systems Design, eventually hoping to become a Project Manager.

Following his success in the North East heat, Alex will continue to the next stage of the awards, where he will go up against the winning apprentice from the Yorkshire region, to decide who will go to the JTL National Awards in London on the 6th of June 2019.

Alex was presented with his award at Intelect’s Head Office in Riverside Park, by JTL’s Regional Manager, Brian Mills, and will find out in the coming weeks if he has been successful in the next stage.

Middlesbrough based engineering company, Intelect have been working with JTL for over a decade, working together to train over 50 successful Electrical Apprentices in this time.