Every journey starts with a single step
It’s important that everyone feels able to reach out if they’re struggling with their mental health. At EDF, we have Mental Health First Aiders who are there for those who need support.
Two of our Mental Health First Aiders, Ben Ireland, a Cycle Planner for Nuclear Operations and Alistair Wasey, an Independent Nuclear Safety Assessment Engineer, got together to discuss their own mental health struggles, how traditional versions of masculinity affect men and how facing up to difficult times has helped them be more present as fathers.
Ben: My mental health journey started after my marriage broke down. I found myself with an emotional pain in my head that I couldn’t get rid of. I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression and started using alcohol to cope. It felt like I was stuck in a hole. When I finally asked for help, it was like someone reached down and said: “I’ve been there. I’ll help you out.” That changed everything.
Alistair: I’ve also had anxiety and depression for many years and suffered a number of breakdowns. I’m now being assessed for autism and ADHD. What I’ve learned is that getting better is not an event, it’s a journey and a direction.
Ben: If you need to start that journey, a great first step is to talk to your Mental Health First Aider.
Alistair: Absolutely. You’re not a burden. When you’re down that hole, you’ll find many people reaching a hand down to pull you out. It’s OK to feel and to talk.
Ben: Yes, talking is essential. Therapy and joining the men’s mental health group helped me become more emotionally available for my kids. I’m sober now, and I focus on being present for them.
Alistair: That’s so important. Being a dad helped me to express a softer side of myself. I want to be a ‘proper daddy’ and not distant like my own father was. I’ve learned I need to rest, be gentle and show love.
Ben: I grew up thinking that being a man meant being tough and silent. Now I know it’s about being emotionally available, guiding my children and helping them understand that emotions are a part of life and that’s OK.
Alistair: It breaks my heart when I read about young men struggling with their identity. We need to show them that there are many ways to be a man. Masculinity should include kindness and care. Being strong means protecting, not dominating.
Ben: I’m proud of the work I’ve done even though it’s been hard. I just want to be a good dad – there’s nothing more important to me in the world.
Alistair: Thank goodness we’re now in this space where men are learning that we can talk and reach out. When you do, you’ll find many people ready to listen and help. As fellow human beings, we want to see each other thrive.
Learn more about our employee networks at EDF by visiting our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page.
Receive articles like this
Related Roles
Salary
Location
Eyemouth
Brand
EDF power solutions
Job Type
Hybrid
Department
Renewable Energy
Location
Eyemouth
Description
Join us in accelerating a net zero future. As an Offshore Wind Asset Manager, you’ll play a key role in optimising the performance of the Neart na Gaoithe (NnG) Offshore Windfarm, ensuring it de
Reference
c7443eb6-6501-4405-982e-638e5bd435d8
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
Exeter
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Hybrid
Department
Customer Services, Marketing & Business Solutions
Location
Exeter
Description
At EDF, success is personal. Here you’ll develop a career that’s unique to you. Whether you want to move horizontally, deepen your specialty, or advance through the levels — it’s your journey, powered
Reference
f3d6d6da-f32f-4d0b-bc09-26909e4c71ea
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
Gloucester
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Hybrid
Department
Nuclear Services
Location
Gloucester
Description
Gloucester Business Park, Bristol - with flexibility of working from home, minimum 3 days a week in the office.Are you experienced in cyber security and familiar with industrial systems like ICS/OT? D
Reference
8c037e09-0677-4ed4-8c5d-6aff363c54fb
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
Bridgwater
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Site-based
Department
Hinkley Point C
Location
Bridgwater
Description
Senior Health & Safety ManagerFull-Time, Permanent. Contractual Location: Hinkley Point C. Minimum 4 days a week on site.Are you ready to shape the future of nuclear energy while championing world-cla
Reference
933a19f6-5726-4977-b0c3-d199e79d4705
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
Leiston
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Site-based
Department
Nuclear Operations
Location
Leiston
Description
Training InstructorReady to make a real impact? At Sizewell B Power Station, we’re looking for someone who’s passionate about delivering engaging and informative training programmes. If you thrive on
Reference
2e60665d-6aed-4f19-ab91-1c91c646317c
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
Bridgwater
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Hybrid
Department
Hinkley Point C
Location
Bridgwater
Description
Permanent, Contractual location Hinkley Point C & Aztec West, Hybrid working arrangements discussed with line managerStep into a pivotal leadership role at the heart of one of the UK’s most ambitious
Reference
ef770627-88f0-41f5-9be7-edc6dce844f8
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
New Romney
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Site-based
Department
Nuclear Operations
Location
New Romney
Description
Occupational Health Nurse/TechnicianAre you passionate about creating a healthier, safer workplace? At EDF UK, we’re looking for someone who thrives on supporting others, promoting wellbeing, and maki
Reference
23da1fb4-f140-48a3-8066-cb354676b086
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
Gloucester
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Hybrid
Department
Nuclear Operations
Location
Gloucester
Description
Ready to make a real impact in the future of nuclear energy? Join us at EDF UK as a Fleet Training Support Specialist and help shape the training that powers our nuclear operations. If you're passiona
Reference
76d65ba5-c64b-483a-b003-452d533a3955
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
Gloucester
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Hybrid
Department
Graduate Schemes
Location
Gloucester
Description
Looking to launch your engineering career with purpose? At EDF, Success is Personal. That means your journey is yours to shape – and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Join our Science a
Reference
881c04f3-88e4-4b6e-ba21-71b7090c4777
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
Bristol
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Site-based
Department
Corporate Supply Chain, Facilities & Commercial Management
Location
Bristol
Description
Looking to shape the future of energy while building a career that’s unique to you? At EDF, Success is Personal. Here, you’ll learn from experts, develop key skills and help Britain achieve net zero.
Reference
f77fa876-2547-4336-8b7b-daacaaa00380
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Related articles
.jpg)
Teaser
Life at EDFContent Type
Test Content TypePublish date
12/09/25
Summary
Alex Paul is the Instrumentation and Control Manager in Nuclear Services and works a nine-day fortnight to spend time with his young family. Read his blog to find out how he’s accelerated his ca

Teaser
Life at EDFContent Type
Employee StoriesPublish date
11/09/25
Summary
Are you considering a career in nuclear – but unsure how to make the move? Joel Perez is a quality engineer at our Torness power station and worked in the printing banknote industry prior to jo

Teaser
Life at EDFContent Type
ArticlesPublish date
11/08/25
Summary
The use of AI in Recruitment at EDF The rise in AI can support multiple elements of the recruitment process. The below guidance will help you understand our position on AI use in the recruitment p

Teaser
Life at EDFContent Type
Employee StoriesPublish date
24/07/25
Summary
Meet Rachael – Customers and Corporate Business Information Security Officer Rachael joined EDF with a wealth of experience in intelligence and cyber security, drawn by the company’
.png)
Teaser
Life at EDFContent Type
Employee StoriesPublish date
24/07/25
Summary
Meet Donald, a dedicated and inspiring professional shaping the future of cyber security at EDF. From joining as a Design Engineer at Torness power station in Scotland to his current role as a
Content Type
Employee StoriesPublish date
21/07/25
Summary
Want to build a career following whatever takes your interest, developing new skills along the way? That’s been Ee Jane’s story, since she joined EDF on the Science and Engineering graduate scheme
.png)
Content Type
Employee StoriesPublish date
17/07/25
Summary
Dave joined our Torness Nuclear Power Station as a Safety Instructor after a 37-year career in the Merchant Navy. He was attracted by the work-life balance and job security of working at EDF. Re
.png)
Content Type
Employee StoriesPublish date
11/07/25
Summary
Aoxue joined EDF in 2022 after finishing university and now works in the Supply Chain team as a Data Analyst. Read time: 3 mins What’s the journey been like going fro

Teaser
Life at EDFContent Type
Employee StoriesPublish date
26/06/25
Summary
As Armed Forces Month draws to a close, we take the opportunity to reflect on the significance of June for veterans, reservists and the wider military community and to celebrate the contributi

Teaser
Life at EDFContent Type
Employee StoriesPublish date
24/06/25
Summary
On International Women in Engineering Day, we’re celebrating the talented women across EDF who are helping to build a better, more secure energy future for Britain. This year’s theme ‘Together
Recently viewed jobs
Salary
Location
Eyemouth
Brand
EDF power solutions
Job Type
Hybrid
Department
Renewable Energy
Location
Eyemouth
Description
Join us in accelerating a net zero future. As an Offshore Wind Asset Manager, you’ll play a key role in optimising the performance of the Neart na Gaoithe (NnG) Offshore Windfarm, ensuring it de
Reference
c7443eb6-6501-4405-982e-638e5bd435d8
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
Exeter
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Hybrid
Department
Customer Services, Marketing & Business Solutions
Location
Exeter
Description
At EDF, success is personal. Here you’ll develop a career that’s unique to you. Whether you want to move horizontally, deepen your specialty, or advance through the levels — it’s your journey, powered
Reference
f3d6d6da-f32f-4d0b-bc09-26909e4c71ea
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
Gloucester
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Hybrid
Department
Nuclear Services
Location
Gloucester
Description
Gloucester Business Park, Bristol - with flexibility of working from home, minimum 3 days a week in the office.Are you experienced in cyber security and familiar with industrial systems like ICS/OT? D
Reference
8c037e09-0677-4ed4-8c5d-6aff363c54fb
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
Bridgwater
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Site-based
Department
Hinkley Point C
Location
Bridgwater
Description
Senior Health & Safety ManagerFull-Time, Permanent. Contractual Location: Hinkley Point C. Minimum 4 days a week on site.Are you ready to shape the future of nuclear energy while championing world-cla
Reference
933a19f6-5726-4977-b0c3-d199e79d4705
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
Leiston
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Site-based
Department
Nuclear Operations
Location
Leiston
Description
Training InstructorReady to make a real impact? At Sizewell B Power Station, we’re looking for someone who’s passionate about delivering engaging and informative training programmes. If you thrive on
Reference
2e60665d-6aed-4f19-ab91-1c91c646317c
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
Bridgwater
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Hybrid
Department
Hinkley Point C
Location
Bridgwater
Description
Permanent, Contractual location Hinkley Point C & Aztec West, Hybrid working arrangements discussed with line managerStep into a pivotal leadership role at the heart of one of the UK’s most ambitious
Reference
ef770627-88f0-41f5-9be7-edc6dce844f8
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
New Romney
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Site-based
Department
Nuclear Operations
Location
New Romney
Description
Occupational Health Nurse/TechnicianAre you passionate about creating a healthier, safer workplace? At EDF UK, we’re looking for someone who thrives on supporting others, promoting wellbeing, and maki
Reference
23da1fb4-f140-48a3-8066-cb354676b086
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
Gloucester
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Hybrid
Department
Nuclear Operations
Location
Gloucester
Description
Ready to make a real impact in the future of nuclear energy? Join us at EDF UK as a Fleet Training Support Specialist and help shape the training that powers our nuclear operations. If you're passiona
Reference
76d65ba5-c64b-483a-b003-452d533a3955
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
Gloucester
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Hybrid
Department
Graduate Schemes
Location
Gloucester
Description
Looking to launch your engineering career with purpose? At EDF, Success is Personal. That means your journey is yours to shape – and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Join our Science a
Reference
881c04f3-88e4-4b6e-ba21-71b7090c4777
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
Bristol
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Site-based
Department
Corporate Supply Chain, Facilities & Commercial Management
Location
Bristol
Description
Looking to shape the future of energy while building a career that’s unique to you? At EDF, Success is Personal. Here, you’ll learn from experts, develop key skills and help Britain achieve net zero.
Reference
f77fa876-2547-4336-8b7b-daacaaa00380
Expiry Date
01/01/01