Occupational charity caba is enhancing the support available to ICAEW members and their families after research highlighted growing demand for its services and an increase in individuals reaching out for mental health support. 

The charity says while there’s no single driver behind the rise in queries, it is in part due to growing awareness of the need to be attentive and look after our mental health and recognition that mental wellbeing is just as important as our physical health.

The charity provides a range of free and confidential services to ICAEW members and their families, including practical and emotional support and financial tools. Overall, almost 1,200 ICAEW members requested direct support from caba this year, while more than 28,000 people accessed tools, information and advice from its website.

Cristian Holmes, Chief Executive Officer at caba, says: “The increase in individuals reaching out for mental health support is a reminder of how our services are more important than ever. We know how challenging it can be, and we are here to offer plenty of advice and help individuals find the right confidential support.”

The mental and emotional health support services on offer from caba include counselling and community support for both employees and employers. Meanwhile, there is a range of advice and guides that help individuals get a better understanding of their mental health, along with techniques to help build their resilience.

Why the rise in queries? 

“Accountancy is an inherently high-pressure profession,” Holmes says. Caba research published in 2022 found that four in five accountants said they believed stress and poor mental health was a problem within the accountancy industry, and 55% of accountants admitted to suffering from stress and burnout, compared with 41% of employees in other industries.

Holmes says ongoing stigma around mental health and vulnerability still plays a significant role within the accountancy sector. As a result, people often don’t feel safe speaking up about their feelings for fear of being judged or feeling it may impact on their career.

“We all have mental health, just as we all have physical health. And it changes as the situations we are in change. It’s important that we feel safe to be able to discuss, manage and improve our mental health. Turning to trusted allies and supportive colleagues can provide much-needed relief and perspective. We need to create spaces in our lives and at work where people can share stories and gain support. By talking openly, we can start to change the culture of putting work before our health and wellbeing.” 

Advice to managers

For managers wanting to do the best by their team members, Holmes advises building knowledge and expertise by educating themselves about mental health and the support options available.

It’s also important to build positive relationships with employees to cultivate an open, nurturing environment. “Be open and authentic,” Holmes says. “We all have challenges. Learn how to build personal strategies to improve your own mental health, wellbeing and resilience to enable you to support others. Be a champion in your workplace.” 

Encouraging healthy habits such as taking regular breaks, sticking to office hours as much as possible and using holiday entitlements can also be simple ways to reduce stress and improve mental wellbeing.  

Offer confidential, accessible support

Finally, offering confidential, accessible support is key, Holmes says. “From signposting counselling services or health services, promoting physical activity, positive nutritional and sleep habits, workplaces have a responsibility for looking after their staff's mental well-being.” 

The increase in individuals reaching out for mental health support is a reminder of how services such as those provided by caba are more important than ever. It is also a positive indicator that accountants are increasingly aware of their well-being and more open to asking for support.

Alan Vallance, Chief Executive Officer at ICAEW, says: “We are extremely grateful to caba for the wide range of services that it provides for our members. If you are an ACA student, an ICAEW member or member of staff, or even one of their close family dependents, please do contact caba if you need advice or practical support.”