Safe & Well – March 2017

Please see attached the March 2017 edition of Safe and Well newsletter with contributions from our USRs and field teams. It contains a focus on First Aid and various training updates, plus a reinforcer of the changes in penalties on mobile use whilst driving to showcase the “why it matters” video. Please take time to view the video and make sure your friends and family do so too. 
There is good news from the Waste Education side of things that also ties up with safety & security. There is also a reminder of what safety campaign videos are available. 
Yours sincerely
 
Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 174/17 Safe & Well – March 2017

Att Safe & Well Issue 44 March 2017

Suicide Statistics in the UK – 2016 Reports from “The Samaritans and The Office for National Statistics”
To: All Branches
Dear Colleagues,
Introduction
According to the Office for National Statistics and the Samaritans Charity, the shocking suicide statistics for last year show a further increase on previous years and that there are around 6,500 suicides a year in the UK and the recently published reports show that the UK rate for suicides is around 11 people per 100,000 population which includes all age and gender groups with the highest age and gender category being men aged between 45 and 59 at 26.5 deaths per 100,000 population.
Background
In order to understand and prevent suicide, it is very important that suicide data is as accurate and as comprehensive as possible. Samaritans’ Suicide Statistics Report 2016 provides details of the national suicide rates for the United Kingdom (UK) and Republic of Ireland (ROI). There is also additional information about how to understand and interpret suicide statistics, because it’s not always as straight forward as looking at the actual numbers. 
Quote:
“Suicide is complex. It usually occurs gradually, progressing from suicidal thoughts, to planning, to attempting suicide and finally dying by suicide”. Source: International Association for Suicide Prevention
Key trends from the Samaritans Suicide Statistics Report 2016
There were 6,581 suicides in the UK and Republic of Ireland, in 2014.

In 2014, 6,122 suicides were registered in the UK. This corresponds to a suicide rate of 10.8 per 100,000 people (16.8 per 100,000 for men and 5.2 per 100,000 for women).

The highest suicide rate in the UK in 2014 was for men aged 45-49 at 26.5 per 100,000.

The male suicide rate decreased in the UK (by 5.6%), England (by less than 1%), Wales (by 37.6%), Scotland (by 17.6%), Northern Ireland (by 10.2%) and Republic of Ireland (by 6.4%) between 2013 and 2014.

Female suicide rates increased in the UK (by 8.3%), England (by 14%), Scotland (by 7.8%) and Republic of Ireland (by 14.7%) between 2013 and 2014. Female suicide rates decreased in Wales (by 38.2%) and Northern Ireland (by 17.7%).

The female suicide rate in England is at its highest since 2005.

The female suicide rate in the UK is at its highest since 2011.

How Samaritans’ Suicide Statistics Report is created 
To produce the report, The Samaritans collate the figures from all of the national statistical agencies, who they work closely with to help them understand and compare the rates between the nations. 
The report also gives details about how the recording, definitions and calculations of rates differ within the UK and ROI. It does not provide explanations for the trends in suicide rates within or between nations. It also provides important information about how to appropriately use suicide statistics and what some of the challenges with them are. 
See attached the Full Samaritans Suicide Statistics Facts and Figures Report 
How the Samaritans can help 
People can talk to the Samaritans anytime they like, in their own way, and off the record – about whatever’s getting to them. They don’t have to be suicidal. 
If people have any concerns about their service before they try it, hear from others about how they’ve helped them. Please don’t suffer alone. 
The Samaritans know a lot about what can help people through tough times. They can help people explore their options, understand their problems better, or just be there to listen. 
Find out how to get in touch with the Samaritans and what to expect from their service. 
It doesn’t matter who people are, how they feel, or what has happened. If people feel that things are getting to them, they can get in touch with the Samaritans. 
People can find out more including reasons to contact the Samaritans, what to do if they are feeling suicidal, or if they are worried about someone else.
Samaritans Contact Details: 
Samaritans Central Office 
Central Office telephone: +44 (0)20 8394 8300 

Central Office email: admin@samaritans.org 

Central Office postal address: The Upper Mill, Kingston Road, Ewell, Surrey KT17 2AF 
Samaritans National 24 hour Helpline 
In September 2015, the Samaritans launched a new UK helpline number, 116 123, which is free to call from within the UK and Ireland. The new number replaces our old UK helpline number, 08457 90 90 90. 
Samaritans Local Branches 
The Samaritans have local branches all over the UK and the organisation is happy and willing to provide speakers for CWU Branches, Regions and Regional Health & Safety Forum Meetings as well as discussing the establishment of contacts and links with CWU representatives. To find a local branch in your area, please either telephone the Samaritans HQ, email or visit the Samaritans website: http://www.samaritans.org 
UK Office for National Statistics 
A copy of the 2015 Statistical Bulletin Report on Suicide in the UK is attached. 
Mental Health First Aid 
The Health, Safety & Environment Department has worked with a number of branches and CWU regions to help organise and encourage CWU reps to attend the two-day “Mental Health First Aid” training courses and these courses have been successfully organised in a number of CWU branches, areas and regions. We would like to see more CWU representatives undergoing these training courses in order to recognise and assist members in distress. Course are organised regularly across the UK by Mental Health First Aid (England and Scotland) as well as by a number of mental health charities, training organisations, local authorities, regional TUCs and others delivered by licensed and accredited trainers. The Health, Safety & Environment Department would encourage and recommend that enquiries are made locally to establish availability and seek volunteers from amongst representatives to attend these training courses. The Health, Safety & Environment Department is available to assist wherever required. See attached summary information about the Mental Health First Aid 2-day training course content. 
Conclusion
Mental Health, Stress, Depression and Anxiety are at epidemic levels in the UK and the Suicide rates are a big concern. The CWU will continue to call for better support for people experiencing mental health problems to help prevent suicides and enable people to lead full and fulfilling lives with manageable conditions. However lack of support means many people are growing increasingly desperate. It needs to be made easier for people to find help without shame or stigma at work as well as at home and in the community. We also need to raise awareness generally to ensure those in distress are recognised and signposted to get professional help and support before it’s too late. 
Attachments:
Samaritans Suicide Report 2016

ONS Suicides in the UK 2015

Mental Health First Aid Training Course Details

Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
 
 
Email Attachments – Click to download
Attachment 1 – LTB173/17 Suicide Statistics in the UK – 2016 Reports from “The Samaritans and The Office for National Statistics”

Attachment 2 – Samaritans Suicide Report 2016

Attachment 3 – ONS Suicides in the UK 2015 registrations

Attachment 4 – Mental Health First Aid Training Course

MAJOR EVENT AT CWU CONFERENCE – TUESDAY 25TH APRIL
 
I am pleased to confirm that the CWU has secured a major event at this year’s Annual Conference. On Tuesday 25th April from 7.30pm, at the BIC we will be hosting a night of music, comedy and politics as we debate the future world of work, politics and services in this country.
 
Alongside CWU speakers, we have secured high profile guests including Francesca Martinez, Jason Manford, Ken Loach, Jeremy Hardy and others. We have also booked big name political speakers and musicians who will be confirmed nearer the time. 
 
This event, like last years will also be opened up for the public to attend. CWU Conference delegates have been automatically allocated a ticket for the evening. All you will need to do is bring your Conference pass. Any CWU members will simply have to bring their membership card. 
 
Members of the public will need to obtain tickets, which are available via the following link. 
 
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-peoples-politics-free-event-tickets-32882314889?utm_term=eventurl_text
 
We ask all branches to assist with the promotion of the event online using the link above. To repeat, branches do not need to purchase these tickets themselves. 
 
Attached is the official flyer and social media graphic for the event. 
 
This high profile event is a major coup for the CWU. In line with this, we would hope that all Conference delegates take the time to support the evening.
 
Finally, a collection will be held on the night in support of CWU HA. 
 
Any enquiries on the content of this LTB please forward to gsoffice@cwu.org
 
Yours sincerely
 
Dave Ward
General Secretary
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 170/17 – MAJOR EVENT AT CWU CONFERENCE – TUESDAY 25TH APRIL

Attachment 1: Event

CWU 2018 Diary
 
 
Dear Colleague
 
We are now taking orders for CWU 2018 diaries. Please find attached a diary order form for your branch use. Please make copies and keep on file for future orders.
 
This year, we are completely revamping the design and layout of our diaries to give them a fresh new look.
 
We continue to offer branches personalised diaries at no additional cost. Branches can personalise an area on the front cover of the CWU pocket diary and also have the option to have a personalised page (printed on one side only) which will be inserted near the front of the pocket diary.
 
The CWU pocket diary is still priced at only £1.50 and the A5 desk diary is priced at just £2.50. 
We also continue to offer branches bulk discount on pocket diaries only on orders of 1,000 or more for £1.20 per diary.
 
Branches ordering unaltered diaries should return their completed order form by no later than Friday 18 August. Diaries will be dispatched from week commencing Monday 11th September 2017.
 
Personalised branch diary orders only
 
Branch personalised diary orders must be returned by no later than Friday 19th May. On receipt of your order form you will be emailed the appropriate template(s), please ensure to include your email address as this is where your template(s) will be sent and further instructions. On completion the template(s) must be sent to Leanne Shiels at the diary manufacturer by no later than Friday 9th June 2017. 
 
You will then be sent a proof which must be checked, signed off and returned back to Leanne by no later than Monday 19th June. Due to strict deadlines any orders or proofs received after this time will not be processed. Diaries will be dispatched from week commencing Monday 2 October 2017.
 
If you would like to use your 2017 diary template(s) and there are no changes please advise Marcia Murray.
 
Orders will be based on the following:
Minimum order to personalise front cover: 250 units
 
Minimum order to insert page: 500 units
Minimum order to personalise front cover and insert page: 500 units
 
All completed order forms must be returned to Marcia Murray in the communications department by no later than the dates given and all enquiries should be addressed to mmurray@cwu.org
 
Kind regards,
 
 
Chris Webb
Head of Communications, Engagement and Media
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 168/17 – CWU 2018 Diary

CWU Annual Conference 2017 : Equality Department – Social Evening And Fringe Meeting
 
Please note a social networking event will take place on 22nd April at the Elstead Hotel at
8pm.
 
There will also be a Fringe meeting on Monday 24th April at the Hermitage Hotel from 1– 2pm. This meeting will be based on the White Ribbon Campaign on Domestic Violence. Each of the Chairs will speak on their equality strand and domestic violence. A guest speaker, Richard Murgatroyd from White Ribbon Campaign UK, will address the meeting.
 
Yours sincerely
 
 
 
Linda Roy
Assistant Secretary
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 169/17 – CWU Annual Conference 2017 : Equality Department – Social Evening And Fringe Meeting

RE-DESIGN UPDATE REPORT
Please find attached to this LTB a copy of the Re-design report that will facilitate and inform this week’s National Briefing on the 23rd March.
The report will give branches a comprehensive update on re-design and is a first step in engaging the whole Union in this crucial debate about the future of our organisation.
Please ensure a copy of the report is circulated to all CWU Representatives in your Branch. 
Finally, we look forward to seeing you all at the National Briefing on the 23rd March and having an informed, positive and constructive debate as we take the re-design project to a new phase.
Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to the General Secretary’s Office at gsoffice@cwu.org quoting the reference GS1.1.
 
Yours sincerely
 
Dave Ward Tony Kearns
General Secretary Senior Deputy General Secretary
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 166/17 – RE-DESIGN UPDATE REPORT

Re-Design Booklet

TUC Disability Conference 2017 – Visitors
The TUC Disability Conference 2017 is being held from Thursday 18th May to Friday 19th May 2017 at the TUC, Congress House, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS.
The Conference times are as follows:
Thursday 18th May 11am to 6pm

Friday 19th May 9.30am to 5.30pm

The CWU are allowed a limited number of visitors to attend the Conference and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Should anyone be interested in attending the Conference, they will need to contact their Branch initially for funding, to include a £10.00 visitor’s ticket fee.
Please let me know if you would like to attend the Conference as a visitor by no later than Friday 7th April 2017.
Please note that places will not be reserved until a cheque for the £10.00 fee (made payable to ‘TUC’) is received in my office by the closing date.
Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be referred to the Equal Opportunities Department, email: equalopportunities@cwu.org
 
Yours sincerely
 
Linda Roy

Assistant Secretary
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 167/17 – TUC Disability Conference 2017 – Visitors

Prostate Cancer Awareness Campaign 2017
To: All Branches
Dear Colleagues,
Prostate Cancer is the most common type of cancer in men. It can be treatable if caught early. It usually affects men over 50 and is rare in younger men. It differs from most other cancers in the body, in that small areas of cancer within the prostate are very common. It may also stay dormant (inactive) for many years. Most Prostate Cancers grow very slowly. But in a proportion of men, Prostate Cancer can grow more quickly and in some cases may spread to other parts of the body, particularly the bones.
Below are some of the very basic facts and figures about prostate cancer. 
Across the UK
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men.

Over 47,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year – that’s 130 men every day.

Every hour one man dies from prostate cancer – that’s more than 11,000 men every year.

1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime.

Over 330,000 men are living with and after prostate cancer. 

In Scotland
More than 3,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year in Scotland.

More than 900 men die from prostate cancer every year in Scotland.

Every day two men die from prostate cancer in Scotland.

In England
Almost 40,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year in England.

More than 9,500 men die from prostate cancer every year in England.

Every hour one man dies from prostate cancer in England.

In Wales
More than 2,500 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year in Wales.

More than 600 men die every year from prostate cancer in Wales.

In Northern Ireland
More than 1,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year in Northern Ireland.

More than 200 men die every year from prostate cancer in Northern Ireland.

Most Common Cancer in Men
Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer in men and many feel like it’s hit them out of the blue. Often men have no signs or symptoms and little awareness of the disease that kills 11,000 men in the UK every year and the number of men with the disease is rising at an alarming rate. It’s vital they know they can turn to Prostate Cancer UK for support and information. The CWU is joining the Cancer Charities along with other organisations and employers to reach out to men and spread the word about Prostate Cancer. The Charity also needs more people to know about Prostate Cancer to raise money and help save Men’s lives through research, support and information.
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate Cancer can develop when cells in the Prostate Gland grow in an uncontrolled way. Often it grows slowly. It might never cause any problems but sometimes it’s more aggressive and needs treating, to slow it down or stop it spreading to other parts of the body.
What are The Symptoms?
Some men with Prostate Cancer may have no symptoms at all and some men may have some of these symptoms:-
needing to urinate more often than usual, including at night or needing to go again after two hours

difficulty starting to urinate

straining or taking a long time to finish urinating

a weak flow when urinating

a feeling that the bladder is not fully emptied

needing to rush to the toilet

dribbling urine after finishing.

Less Common Symptoms include
pain when urinating

pain when ejaculating

blood in urine or semen*

problems getting or keeping an erection – this isn’t a common symptom of a prostate problem and is more often linked to other health conditions such as diabetes or heart problems.

*Blood in urine or semen can be caused by other health problems. Talk to your doctor if you see any blood in your urine or semen.
Are You At Risk?
In the UK, about 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer at some point in their lives. See attached document: ‘What is my risk of prostate cancer?’ to see if you are at risk.
High Risk Group – Over 50’s
Prostate Cancer mainly affects men over the age of 50 and your risk increases if your father or brother has had Prostate Cancer. Men are two and a half times more likely to develop Prostate Cancer if their father or brother has had it. 
High Risk Group – Black African or Caribbean descent
Black men are three times more likely to develop Prostate Cancer than white men of the same age. If you’re a black man over 45, speak to your GP about your risk of Prostate Cancer. 
Prostate Cancer Affects Everyone including Women
Prostate Cancer may be a male disease, but it is important that women know about it too. Women have husbands, partners, brothers, fathers and family members, so everyone is affected and it’s important that women know about it too!
Campaigns in 2017
Prostate Cancer UK is supporting many campaigns throughout 2017 and you can get involved wherever you are in the UK. See the links below for further information on how you can participate in 2017.
March For Men: http://prostatecanceruk.org/get-involved/march-for-men
Many events are planned across the nation in June – London, Leeds, Glasgow, Exeter, Newcastle and others being added all the time. A marathon walk visiting 40 Football Clubs is one confirmed event. Go to the above link if interested in participating, donating or sponsorship.
Find a Fundraising Event: http://prostatecanceruk.org/get-involved/find-a-fundraising-event
The new ‘find an event’ webpage helps locate just what those wishing participate want to do. By entering the dates, locations and type of event e.g. run, cycle, walk, gold, social event etc., the Charity Search engine does the rest and tells you what’s already been organised.  
Further Information:
For further information about Prostate Cancer follow the link to the Prostate Cancer UK website:
http://prostatecanceruk.org/?gclid=CNOQxdPbydICFQ4UGwody8wDaw
London
Address: Prostate Cancer UK, Fourth floor, The Counting House, 53 Tooley Street, London SE1 2QN

Phone: 020 3310 7000

Contact online

Scotland
Address: Prostate Cancer UK, Unit F22-24, Festival Business Centre, 150 Brand Street, Glasgow, G51 1DH

Phone: 0141 218 4760

Contact online 

North West England
Address: Prostate Cancer UK, 11th Floor, Regent House, Heaton Lane, Stockport, SK4 1BS

Phone: 0161 475 1720

Contact online

Prostate Cancer UK – Confidential Specialist Nurses Helpline: 0800 074 8383 
Know Someone Who Needs Help or Information?

They can speak to a Specialist Nurse in confidence and free of charge on0800 074 8383.

Publications
Useful publications and information factsheets are available for purchase and download on the Prostate Cancer UK website:
http://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information/our-publications/publications
Attachments:- 
Know Your Prostate

Prostate Cancer A Guide for Men Who’ve Just Been Diagnosed

What Is My Risk Of Prostate Cancer

Diet and Physical Activity for Men with Prostate Cancer

Raise awareness in your Branch – Order an Information or Supporters Pack:
An introduction to the prostate gland and common prostate problems Includes:- Know your prostate: a guide to common prostate problems, Understanding the PSA test and Diet, activity and your risk of prostate cancer.
Prostate Cancer UK’s Information Pack and Supporter Pack has all the resources you need to start raising awareness of prostate cancer.
Inside you’ll get posters, pocket guides and leaflets which explain what prostate cancer is, which men are most at risk, and what men should do if they are worried about their risk.
Included is the Man of Men pin badge which you can wear to show you’re a supporter of Prostate Cancer UK and the Stronger Knowing More campaign.
Links:- 
http://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information/our-publications/publications/prostate-information-pack
http://prostatecanceruk.org/get-involved/black-men-and-prostate-cancer/help-us-spread-the-word/order-an-information-pack 
Specialist Nurse Helpline 0800 074 8383:
Whether you have a Branch member who has been diagnosed or have concerns about prostate cancer, Prostate Cancer UK is here to give support. They can help individuals or help partners, family members, friends, and health professionals with any questions they have. 
Call: 0800 074 8383
Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm
Weds: 10am-8pm 
Individuals can e-mail by going to the Specialist Nurse Webpage at:
http://prostatecanceruk.org/get-support/our-specialist-nurses/email-our-specialist-nurses 
Telephone translation service:
There is also a telephone translation service available via this helpline and the Prostate Cancer UK Specialist Nurses can speak to individuals over the phone, in their own or preferred language, via an interpreter. Just call 0800 074 8383 and say, in English, the language requested.
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
“CWU – Supporting Prostate Cancer UK – Helping end male cancer deaths from Prostate Cancer”
Email Attachments – Click to download
Attachment 1 – LTB165/17 Prostate Cancer Awareness Campaign 2017

Attachment 2 – Know Your Prostate

Attachment 3 – Prostate Cancer A Guide for Men Who’ve Just Been Diagnosed

Attachment 4 – What Is My Risk Of Prostate Cancer

Attachment 5 – Diet and Physical Activity for Men with Prostate Cancer

CWU NATIONAL WELFARE FUND
Please find below the branch breakdown of CWU National Welfare Fund donations which were made in 2016.
BRANCH
REASON
AMOUNT
Bristol & District Amal
Illness
£1,000
Bristol & District Amal
Domestic
£1,000
Capital
Illness
£850
Colchester & District
Illness
£600
Croydon & Sutton Amal
Domestic
£300
East London Postal
Illness
£1,000
East Midlands
Illness
£1,000
Eastern No. 5
Illness
£1,000
Glasgow & District Amal
Domestic
£1,000
Gloucestershire Amal
Domestic
£1,000
Great Western
Domestic
£530
Greater Mersey & South West Lancashire
Illness
£1,000
Greater Mersey & South West Lancashire
Illness
£700
London Parcels & Stations Amal
Illness
£1,000
Mersey
Bereavement
£1,000
Newcastle Amal
Domestic
£1,000
Newcastle Amal
Illness
£500
Northern Ireland Combined
Illness
£1,000
Portsmouth & District Postal
Domestic
£1,000
Romford Amal
Domestic
£750
South Central Postal
Bereavement
£1,000
South Central Postal
Illness
£1,000
South Wales
Illness
£1,000
 
Total
£20,230
Also in order to assist Branches with making claims please find attached all the relevant information and paperwork.
Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to the Senior Deputy General Secretary’s Department on telephone number 020 8971 7237 or email address sdgs@cwu.org.
Yours sincerely,
 
TONY KEARNS
SENIOR DEPUTY GENERAL SECRETARY
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 156/17 – CWU National Welfare Fund

Welfare Fund Regulations

Contacts for Support & Advice

Welfare Fund Application Form