CAPITA TVL: PAY 2022 – ACAS MEDIATION

Further to LTB 321/22 dated 25^thJuly.  Branches are advised that yesterday we met with Phil White, Independent Mediator (appointed by Acas), along with Capita TVL management.  We were pleased to see that all parties shared a desire to make progress.  We have agreed to meet again following a short period to allow for reflection and for each party to further examine options jointly explored without prejudice.

This meeting, which will once again be facilitated by Acas, will take place on Thursday 15^thSeptember where it is hoped meaningful progress towards an agreement can be made.  Below is a Joint Statement confirming these arrangements.

Pay Talks with Acas Mediator 

 Both Capita & CWU understand you will want to know if progress has been made in the talks with the Mediator.

 Whilst we are unable to go into details we are pleased to report a very good exchange of views facilitated by the Mediator took place and as such various options were explored in pursuit of a mutually agreeable outcome.

 Both parties are keen to make progress as we are conscious people would like to see a solution to the impasse reached. In this regard we are pleased to advise you a further meeting has been arranged with the Mediator for Thursday 15th September. Until this meeting is held we won’t comment further but suffice to say both CWU & Capita are taking the process seriously and are jointly engaging with the aim of establishing a way forward.

 We are grateful for your understanding in this complex matter whilst wishing to convey caution in respect to expectations as we still remain some way apart hence the need for a further meeting

 Paul Johnston                                               Andy Furey

Capita TVL Managing Director                         CWU Assistant Secretary

I would like to thank our Research Department for their valued assistance in helping to prepare our comprehensive submission to the Mediator.

Finally, we have also made arrangements to meet online with our Senior Capita Representatives on Friday 9^thSeptember.

Further developments will be reported.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary

22LTB357 Capita TVL – Pay 2022 – Acas Mediation

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KEVIN SHAW – FORMER CWU NATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICER AND NATIONAL HONORARY MEMBER

It is with deep sadness that we write to advise you that Kevin Shaw, former CWU National Health and Safety officer and National Honorary member, passed away suddenly at home on the 31st August.

Throughout the course of his long career Kevin made a tremendous contribution in representing our members and the union, within the CWU and our predecessor unions, the UCW and UPW.

Kevin joined the then UPW in 1970 and after holding numerous positions within what is now the North Lancs and Cumbria Branch, he was elected to the National Executive Council in 1988 and became a CWU National Officer in 1993.  After his retirement in 2002, he remained active within the union and the wider Labour movement and was always there to offer his advice and support, particularly in the area of Employment Tribunals where he had shown considerable expertise.

I know I speak on behalf of all those who knew Kevin in saying he will be sorely missed by his many friends and colleagues within the union and we offer our sincere condolences to his wife Maddie and their family.

We have been advised that the Funeral will take place on the 16^th September at 11.30 Saint Teresa’s Church Penwortham, Preston.

For further information of the funeral arrangements please contact Barry Bowes Branch Secretary of North Lancs and Cumbria bfbowes@hotmail.com

Any other enquiries on the above LTB should be addressed to the General Secretary at jdunn@cwu.org

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward
General Secretary 

22LTB360 KEVIN SHAW FORMER CWU NATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICER AND NATIONAL HONORARY MEMBER (002)

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World Suicide Prevention Day 10 September 2022 – Year Two of the Three Year 2021-2023 Triennial Theme ‘Creating Hope Through Action’

Introduction:

World Suicide Prevention Day is hosted on 10 September each year by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and provides the opportunity for people, across the globe, to raise awareness of suicide and suicide prevention.

Suicide is the single biggest killer of men under the age of 45 in the country, but suicides among teenage girls and young women have almost doubled in recent years.

The 2021-2023 three-year theme for World Suicide Prevention Day, as set by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) is ‘creating hope through action’.  The IASP message is clear – they’re asking everyone to help create hope through action, by reflecting on how you can support someone who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts or at risk of suicide. Encouraging understanding and sharing experiences creates a society where people have the confidence to take action, building hope for the future.

‘Creating Hope Through Action’ – Professor Rory O’Connor President of the International Association For Suicide Prevention Statement:

“This call to action seeks to instil hope in those who feel despair, a sense of hope in those who feel isolated or trapped. Anyone of us can reach in to show someone that we care, offering a listening ear, engaging in a non-judgemental conversation, sharing a useful resource or helping someone in crisis to make a ‘safety plan’. These are examples of actions that can promote hope, compassion, trust and empathy go a long way in supporting someone who’s thinking of suicide. Hopefully by showing compassion or trust or empathy, one can help somebody feel that ‘life is worth living’, that there will be brighter days ahead.

Raising awareness of suicide can help to strengthen our understanding and reduce the stigma surrounding suicide. This in turn helps to bring down the many barriers to people seeking help. It can also help create a more acceptable society. A society where people are encouraged to come forward to receive help and support that they so badly need.

It’s also so important to remember that suicide is preventable right up until the very last moment.

Through sharing life experiences we learn that no one is alone in this pain. The insight offered by anyone of us discussing our own personal accounts of distress, our own accounts of suicidal crisis, our own experiences of grief and despair following bereavement by suicide, that by sharing these accounts we can help others recognise that we can overcome anguish and if we can overcome anguish, we can inspire hope in others who face very similar challenges.

The IASP invites everyone to join the campaign to be a beacon of hope, spreading the message that can help inspire others and together we can create a world where fewer people think of suicide and fewer people die of suicide.”

Background:

World Suicide Prevention Day, which first started in 2003, is annually held in September each year. Organised by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), the purpose of the day is to raise awareness, promote worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides. 2022 marks the 20th anniversary of the worldwide campaign.

WHO and IASP work with governments and other partners to ensure that suicide is no longer stigmatised, criminalized or penalised. WHO’s role is to build political action and leadership to develop national responses to prevent suicide, strengthen national planning capacity to establish the core building blocks of such a national response, and build the national capacities to implement these responses.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates more than 700,000 people die due to suicide each year and that almost 77% of all global suicides occur in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). For every suicide there are many more who attempt suicide or have serious suicidal ideation. Suicidal behaviour profoundly impacts families and communities and remains a universal challenge with millions impacted. The reduction of suicide mortality is of global importance and a vital public health consideration.

In the UK around 6,000 people take their own lives every year. 5,000 in England and Wales, 800 in Scotland and 200 in Northern Ireland, according to the UK Charities, the ‘Mental Health Foundation’ and the ‘Samaritans’. Men and women aged 45 to 49 have the highest suicide rates in the UK.

For every person who completes a suicide, 20 or more may attempt to end their lives. About one million people die by suicide each year. Behind these statistics are the individual stories of those who have, for many different reasons, questioned the value of their own lives.  Additionally, the tragic ripple effect means that there are many, many more people who have been bereaved by suicide or have been close to someone who has tried to take his or her own life. And this is happening in spite of the fact that suicide is preventable. Suicide is a major preventable cause of premature death which is influenced by psycho-social, cultural and environmental risk factors that can be prevented through worldwide responses that address these main risk factors. There is strong evidence indicating that adequate prevention can reduce suicide rates.

Every year organisations and communities around the world come together to raise awareness of how people can create a world where fewer people die by suicide. In the UK over a hundred suicide prevention and mental health groups under the National Suicide Prevention Alliance (NSPA) collectively campaign to raise awareness of suicide prevention and together, ask governments in the UK and Ireland to make suicide prevention a priority, and help raise awareness about how people can each support each other better.

Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy.

And we know that suicide is preventable, it’s not inevitable.

But not being okay is still widely stigmatized, and governments can still make better, more ambitious plans to prevent suicide.

World Suicide Prevention Day is not to be seen as a one-off, one-day issue.  The three-year theme aiming to promote on-going worldwide action to prevent suicides is about raising awareness that suicide is a major preventable cause of premature death.

The WHO, IASP and NSPA want organisations, government agencies and individuals to promote awareness about suicide, mental illnesses associated with suicide, as well as suicide prevention.

What Trade Union Reps can do:

• Get trained on a Mental Health First Aid or Mental Health Awareness Course.
• Raise awareness that suicide is preventable.
• Spread information about suicide, stress, anxiety, depression awareness.
• However you do it, start a conversation about Mental Health – Talk, Listen, Change Lives.
• Decrease stigmatisation regarding mental health and suicide.

‘Take a Minute, Change a Life.’ 

These words are at the heart of suicide prevention and worth reminding ourselves of. Each one of these individuals is part of a community, a Union, a workforce etc. Some may be well linked in to this community and their workplace and Union Branch, and they’ll have a network of family, friends and work colleagues or school mates. Others may be less well connected, and some may be quite isolated. Regardless of the circumstances, communities, workmates, first aiders, mental health first aiders and Union Reps for example have an important role to play in helping support those who are vulnerable. As members of communities, it is our responsibility to look out for those who may be struggling and distressed, check in with them, and encourage them to tell their story in their own way and at their own pace. Offering a gentle word of support and listening in a non-judgemental way can make all the difference.

People who have lived through a suicide attempt have much to teach us about how the words and actions of others are important. They often talk movingly about reaching the point where they could see no alternative but to take their own life, and about the days, hours and minutes leading up to this. They often describe realising that they did not want to die but instead wanted someone to intervene and stop them. Many say that they actively sought someone who would sense their despair and ask them whether they were okay.

Sometimes they say that they made a pact with themselves that if someone did ask if they were okay, they would tell them everything and allow them to intervene. Sadly, they often reflect that no one asked.

The individuals telling these stories are inspirational. Many of them recount reaching the point where they did try to take their own lives, and tell about coming through it. Many of them are now working as advocates for suicide prevention. Almost universally, they say that if someone had taken a minute, the trajectory that they were on could have been interrupted.

Life is precious and sometimes precarious. Taking a minute to reach out to someone – a complete stranger or close family member, a friend or work colleague – can change the course of their life.

No one has to have all the answers; People are often reluctant to intervene, even if they are quite concerned about someone. There are many reasons for this, not least that they fear they will not know what to say. It is important to remember, however, that there is no hard and fast formula. Individuals who have come through an episode of severe suicidal thinking often say that they were not looking for specific advice, but that compassion and empathy from others helped to turn things around for them and point them towards recovery. Another factor that deters people from starting the conversation is that they worry that they may make the situation worse. Again, this hesitation is understandable; broaching the topic of suicide is difficult and there is a myth that talking about suicide with someone can put the idea into their head or trigger the act. The evidence suggests that this is not the case. Being caring and listening with a non-judgemental ear are far more likely to reduce distress than exacerbate it.

RESOURCES:

CWU Guide to Work and Suicide

See attached pdf copy of the popular CWU ‘Guide to Work and Suicide’ for CWU Reps.

BITC Suicide Prevention Toolkit

This Suicide Prevention Toolkit, helps senior leaders, line managers, HR and occupational health professionals identify staff members who may have suicidal feelings and gives practical advice on how to deal with a crisis situation. It was produced in partnership with Public Health England and supported by the Samaritans. The toolkit is aimed at employers to help embed suicide prevention strategies in their organisation’s health and wellbeing policies, guide the approach to supporting those at risk and act as a resource to provide support across the workforce and it gives guidance on a workplace suicide prevention programme. CWU Reps will find a lot of interesting and useful information in the toolkit. Employers are in a unique position to help employees understand the importance of wellbeing and good mental health, and the knowledge of how to keep safe and well and how to spot the signs of being unwell. This toolkit is designed to help organisations adopt a strategy to reduce the risk of a suicide that will have an impact on the workplace. In this context, the term ‘workplace suicide’ is understood to be a suicide in or outside the workplace. (See copy attached).

Zero Suicide Alliance Booklet 

The Zero Suicide Alliance campaign wants to shatter this stigma by getting more people talking about suicide, sharing thoughts, offering support. They state that there are more of us affected by it than you think. Because it’s only when we start talking about suicide that we realise how many of our friends, neighbours and colleagues’ lives have been touched by it. The Zero Suicide Alliance campaign aims to get people together and start a conversation and to help friends and work colleagues to understand that it can affect anyone, and what we can all do to help in raising awareness and educating EVERYONE about the part we can all play in suicide prevention. The concise 10-page booklet gives some good basic 5-step advice on keeping physically and mentally well; staying active, eating well, limiting alcohol, avoiding drugs and staying social. A copy of the Booklet is attached. The ZSA Poster is also attached to display.

Samaritans – New “SHUSH” Listening Tips Poster

This World Suicide Prevention Day, the ‘Samaritans’ have launched their new “SHUSH” listening tips poster and the Charity advise that if you’re worried someone might be experiencing suicidal thoughts then the charity would encourage you to ask the person directly as asking someone if they’re suicidal won’t make things worse. Evidence shows it could protect them. If someone is feeling suicidal, it might be hard to get through to them. They might be distant or distracted or feel disconnected from the world and their own emotions. They might not respond right away. But asking someone directly if they’re having suicidal thoughts can give them permission to tell you how they feel. If someone does let you know that they are having suicidal thoughts, always take them seriously. You don’t have to be an expert, just being there to listen and showing you care can help them work through the crisis and what’s going on. Let them know they’re not a burden and there’s always someone they can turn to – whether it’s a family member, friend, professional help or a 24/7 helpline like Samaritans. People who have been suicidal have often said it is a relief to talk about thoughts they are experiencing. Just being there to listen and showing you care can help. If they want to talk to someone else about how they are feeling, they can call Samaritans. The key advice from Samaritans is:- It’s OK to ask about suicidal thoughts. It could save a life.

The “SHUSH” listening tips poster is attached and covers:-

Top Tips for becoming a better listener.

S – Show You Care

H – Have Patience

U – Use Open Questions

S – Say It Back

H – Have Courage

International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP)

The International Association for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to preventing suicide and suicidal behaviour and alleviating its effects. IASP leads the global role in suicide prevention by strategically developing an effective forum that is proactive in creating strong collaborative partnerships and promoting evidence-based action in order to reduce the incidence of suicide and suicidal behaviour. World Suicide Prevention Day is hosted on 10 September each year by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and provides the opportunity for people, across the globe, to raise awareness of suicide and suicide prevention.

IASP Website: https://www.iasp.info/

National Suicide Prevention Alliance (NSPA) Webinar Recording ‘Local Suicide Prevention Planning’

Following the publication of guidance by the NSPA on local suicide prevention and a series of master-classes, a recorded webinar version of those classes was created to help any organisation better understand and apply the guidance. The one-hour 2017 Webinar recording: “Top priorities for your local suicide prevention plan” is available on this link:- https://nspa.org.uk/resource/suicide-prevention-webinar-local-suicide-prevention/

TRAINING:

Zero Suicide Alliance (ZSA) On-Line Suicide Prevention Training:

ZSA provide a range of awareness training options, which provide a better understanding of the signs to look out for and the skills required to approach someone who is struggling, whether that be through social isolation or suicidal thoughts. The ZSA ‘FREE’ on-line suicide prevention training course will teach you how to recognise the warning signs and safeguard someone that could be contemplating suicide – It takes 20 minutes to complete and is available at: www.zerosuicidealliance.com.

Also available at the ZSA Website are FREE newsletters, videos and resources such as posters, e-mail banners, screen-savers and other campaign material to help spread the word and raise awareness.

The CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department is supporting the ZSA campaign as part of the Union’s overall Mental Health Strategy and is urging all CWU Reps to access and complete the on-line training.

Mental Health First Aid Training

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) came to England in 2007 and was developed and launched under the Department of Health and National Institute for Mental Health in England as part of a national approach to improving public mental health. Mental Health First Aid England was launched as a community interest company in 2009.

The CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department has been raising awareness and promoting Mental Health First Aid Training for CWU Reps since the courses became available in the UK in 2007.  Following the policy decision of CWU Conference, the Health, Safety and Environment Department in conjunction and partnership with the Equality, Education & Development Department, through the CWU National ‘Mental Health Strategy’ have taken this forward to develop our own in-house network of MHFA Trainers across all regions of the UK, providing MHFA 2-day courses where required. We now provide and continue to encourage CWU Reps to attend the 2-Day MHFA Course as well as the TUC developed Mental Health Awareness Course. For further information, contact either the CWU Regional Secretary or CWU/HQ Equality, Education & Development Department.

Suicide Prevention Skills Training – ‘Two Roads Charity’

The ‘Two Roads Charity” – is a registered UK charity established to advance the education of the general public in all areas related to the prevention of suicides. The charity directly delivers suicide prevention training to organisations across the UK including several police forces, universities, colleges and other charities etc. They also deliver train the trainer courses in order that organisations can deliver their own suicide prevention workshops. The ‘Suicide Prevention Skills Programme’ lasts for three hours and has the overall objective of developing basic suicide prevention skills in participants. The training programme is structured as follows:

Section 1: Myths and Facts around Suicide 

• Exercise covering many of the most common myths around suicide.

Section 2: Emotional Resilience and Depression 

• What is resilience, and why it is so important.
• Protective and risk factors.
• Clinical depression.
• Recovery from depression – what works?

Section 3: Depression and Suicide Risk 

• What is suicide?
• The five elements of the suicidal mind.
• Why would someone consider suicide?
• How we can reduce suicide risk – World Health Organisation.
• Can we save someone?
• Why might someone not ask for help?
• Why might someone not try to help?

Section 4: Safely helping someone – using the Look Listen Link model 

• Look Listen Link Model
• Look for the signs
• Listen and Ask – Active listening model.
• Link to the help that is available- Crisis, Serious Concern or Needs Help

Contact Details:

‘Two Roads’ – Charity
Kemp House,
152-160 City Road,
London EC1V 2NX
Tel: 07544754621
Email: hello@tworoadscharity.com
Website: https://www.tworoadscharity.com/

WHERE TO GO FOR HELP:

The Samaritans

Samaritans is a charity aimed at providing emotional support to anyone in distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide and they are available round the clock, every single day of the year, providing a safe place for anyone struggling to cope, whoever they are, however they feel, whatever life has done to them. If you need someone to talk to, Samaritans will listen and won’t judge or tell you what to do! For urgent support call – 24 Hours a Day.

• Call Samaritans on their Helpline 116 123 or
• e-mail jo@samaritans.org or
• visit Samaritans website: https://www.samaritans.org/

Contact Details:

Samaritans HQ
The Upper Mill, Kingston Road, Ewell, Surrey KT17 2AF
Tel: 020 8394 8300
Email: admin@samaritans.org

Papyrus – (National Charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide).

Suicide is the biggest killer of young people under 35 in the UK. Every year many thousands more attempt or contemplate suicide, harm themselves or suffer alone, afraid to speak openly about how they are feeling. The Charity has a vision for a society which speaks openly about suicide and has the resources to help young people who may have suicidal thoughts. The Charity exists to reduce the number of young people who take their own lives by shattering the stigma around suicide and equipping young people and their communities with the skills to recognise and respond to suicidal behaviour.

Papyrus provide confidential support and advice to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide, and anyone either in distress or worried about a young person can contact the Charity’s helpline, called ‘HOPELINEUK’ which is a confidential support and advice service for children and young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, or anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide.  If you are having thoughts of suicide or are concerned for a young person who might be – contact “HOPELINEUK” for confidential support and practical advice.

Call: 0800 068 4141
Text: 07860 039 967
Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Every Day 9:00 am to 12:00 am (midnight)
Papyrus Head Office
Bankside 2, Crosfield Street, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 1UP
Telephone: 01925 572 444
Website: https://www.papyrus-uk.org/

Other Charities which provide support and information:

Breaking The Silence Suicide Forum
https://www.suicideforum.com/
https://www.suicideforum.com/community/
A website for suicidal people and those in mental health crisis.
Online forums, chat, information and support
Email: email of SFOpsAcct@gmail.com

Calm:
Helpline: 0800 585858
Website: www.thecalmzone.net
Campaign Against Living Miserably is a Charity providing help and support for young men aged 15-35 on issues which include depression and suicide.
CALM,
5 Wooton Street,
London, SE1 8TG

SupportLine
Helpline: 01708 765200
Website: https://www.supportline.org.uk/
SupportLine provides a confidential telephone helpline offering emotional support to any individual on any issue. The Helpline is primarily a preventative service and aims to support people before they reach the point of crisis. It is particularly aimed at those who are socially isolated, vulnerable, at risk groups and victims of any form of abuse. SupportLine is a member of the Helplines Association. SupportLine also provides support by email and post.
PO Box 2860
Romford
Essex RM7 1JA
Helpline: 01708 765200
Admin: 01708 765222
Email: info@supportline.org.uk

Lifeline (N.Ireland)
Helpline: 0808 808 8000
Website: www.lifelinehelpline.info
For anyone in Northern Ireland who is in distress or despair. Immediate help on phone 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Face to face counselling can be arranged, also befriending, mentoring. Issues dealt with include suicide prevention, self-harm, abuse, trauma, depression, anxiety.

National Suicide Helpline UK
Helpline: 0800 689 5652
Website: https://www.spbristol.org/
Confidential 24hr listening service to anyone contemplating suicide run by trained volunteers from  Suicide Prevention Bristol
Suicide Prevention Bristol
Suite 601
179 Whiteladies Road,
Bristol, BS8 2AG.
Email: info@spbristol.org

Premier Lifeline
Helpline: 0300 111 0101
Website: www.premier.org.uk/lifeline
Helpline providing a listening service, information, emotional and spiritual support from a Christian perspective.
22 Chapter Street,London, SW1P 4NP.

R;pple Suicide Prevention
Website: https://www.ripplesuicideprevention.com/
R;pple is an online monitoring tool designed to present a visual page on a user’s device the second they are flagged as searching for a harmful keyword or phrase highlighted within the R;pple monitoring tool configuration. Keywords and phrases include any words or terminology which have been identified as displaying potentially damaging online content. The R;pple page is presented before harmful online search results are displayed, and act as an interception to encourage users to visit a mental health support page from one of our charity partners as an alternative to viewing harmful online results. R;pple aims to minimise the risks of the internet, while harnessing its potential for good, by encouraging users to seek mental health support

SHOUT
Text 85258
Website: https://www.giveusashout.org/
Anxious/worried/stressed – get 24/7 help from a crisis volunteer.
21 Whitefriars Street, London EC4Y 8JJ
Email: info@giveusashout.org

SOS Silence of Suicide
Helpline: 0300 1020 505 Monday-Sunday 8am until midnight
Website: https://sossilenceofsuicide.org/
Striving to reduce Shame, Stigma and Silence surrounding Emotional Health & Suicide.
For children and adults who need emotional support, understanding, compassion and kindness.
Email: support@sossilenceofsuicide.org

The OLLIE Foundation
Website: https://theolliefoundation.org
A charity dedicated to delivering suicide awareness. Providing confidential help and advice to young people and anyone worried about a young person. Helping others to prevent young suicide by delivering a number of training programmes. Delivering online weekly mental health support sessions open and free to all young people.
The OLLIE Foundation
Faulkner House
Victoria Street
St Albans
Hertfordshire
AL1 3SE
Email: contactus@theolliefoundation.org
Call: 07715311891 

Child Death Helpline:
Helpline: 0800 282986
Website: www.childdeathhelpline.org.uk
Helpline for anyone affected by the death of a child of any age. Advice, information, listening, befriending, referrals and face to face service by arrangement. Staffed by bereaved parents.
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children,
Barclay House, 37 Queen Square,
​London, WC1 3BH
Telephone: 020 7813 8416

Cruse Bereavement Care:
Helpline: 0808 808 1677 or Email:helpline@cruse.org.uk.
Website: www.cruse.org.uk
Helpline offering listening support and practical advice related to bereavement. Puts people in touch with local Cruse branches which can provide individual and group support.
Cruise Bereavement Care
PO Box 800,
Richmond,
Surrey TW9 1RG
Email: info@cruse.org.uk.

The Compassionate Friends:
Helpline: 0345 123 2304 or Email:helpline@tcf.org.uk
Website: www.tcf.org.uk
Helpline and support services run by bereaved parents. Support to parents and their immediate families after the death of a child of any age and from any cause. Local contacts and support meetings, befriending, phone and letter contact, leaflets and publications, postal library, retreats and an annual weekend gathering. Compassionate Friends have a sub group called Shadow of Suicide for parents and families of children who have taken their own lives.
The Compassionate Friends
Kilburn Grange,
Priory Park Road,
London NW6 7UJ
Email: info@tcf.org.uk.
Tel: 0345 120 3785

Sobs – Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide:
Helpline: 0300 111 5065 National Helpline Mon to Fri 9am to 9pm
Website: www.sobs.admin.care4free.net
National helpline and other support services run by a self-help group for people bereaved by suicide. Helpline provides listening support and will put people in touch with their nearest local group. Monthly group meetings in various locations. Bereavement pack and literature for survivors. Conferences and support days.
Email: email to email.support@uksobs.org

Way Widowed and Young: 
Website: www.widowedandyoung.org.uk
Self-help support group for men and women under 50 whose partner or spouse has died. Telephone support network of local members. Email support forums.
WAY Widowed and Young,
Suite 14, College Business Centre
Uttoxeter New Road,
Derby DE22 3WZ

Winston’s Wish:
Helpline: 08088 020 021
Website: www.winstonswish.org.uk
Support for bereaved children and young people.
Head Office on 01242 515 157
Email info@winstonswish.org

Rethink Mental Health (England)
Website: www.rethink.org
Email: info@rethink.org 
Tel: 0800 801 0525
Mon-Fri: 11am-4pm
(excluding bank holidays)

ADFERAID RECOVERY (Wales)
Website: www.hafal.org
Email: hafal@hafal.org
Tel: 01792 816 600 or 01792 832 400
Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm
(excluding bank holidays)

Support In Mind (Scotland)
Website: www.supportinmindscotland.org.uk
Email: info@supportinmindscotland.org.uk
Tel: 0300 3231545 or 0131 662 4359
Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm
(excluding bank holidays)

Mindwise (Northern Ireland)
Website: www.mindwisenv.org
Email: info@mindwisenv.org
Tel: 028 9040 2323
Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm
(excluding bank holidays)

CONCLUSION:

Mental health, stress, depression and anxiety are at epidemic levels in the UK and suicide rates are a big concern. Better support for people experiencing mental health problems would help prevent suicides and enable people to lead 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.

Remember – We are working towards the common goal of preventing suicide but it’s not just for one day! World Suicide Prevention Day is the annual focal point and effort needs to continue all year round. The information in this LTB, part of the CWU Mental Health Strategy, will allow Health and Safety Reps, Mental Health First Aiders, Branches, CWU Regional Health and Safety Sub-Committees, Joint Health and Safety Committees etc., to organise and run their own local awareness raising initiatives to their own timetable and agenda. Show your support by raising awareness through workplace, branch, regional, area or community action. We need to make sure that clinicians and other service providers care enough about it to make suicide prevention their core business. And we need to make sure that communities care enough about it to be able to identify and support those who may be at heightened risk. We also need to ensure that the employers and we ourselves, the CWU, are caring for workers and for our members!

Finally, if there is anyone you as a CWU Rep, member or Mental Health First Aider are concerned about, take a minute to check in with them, talk to them, invite them to have a chat – it could change their life.

ATTACHMENTS:

• CWU Guide to Work and Suicide
• BITC Suicide Prevention Toolkit
• Zero Suicide Alliance Guidance Booklet
• Zero Suicide Alliance Suicide Poster
• SAMARITANS “SHUSH” Listening Tips Poster

(Know Someone Who Needs Support Right Now? Call 116 123 to speak to a Samaritan – Day or Night – 365 Days of The Year).

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB359 World Suicide Prevention Day 10 September 2022 – Year Two of the Three Year 2021-2023 Triennial Theme ‘Creating Hope Through Action’

CWU-GUIDE-WORK-AND-SUICIDE-v2-January-2018

BITC-Suicide-Prevention-ToolKit-2020

Zero-Suicide-Alliance-Booklet-talking-to-someone-who-might-be-suicidal

ZSA-Suicide-Poster

SAMARITANS – SHUSH-Listening-Tips-Poster

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2022 Dispute Relating to Royal Mail Group Breaking the “Pathway to Change” and Associated National Agreements and Protections for CWU Represented Grades Employed by Royal Mail Group Consisting of Royal Mail, Parcelforce and Fleet

In light of the huge turnout and record breaking YES vote in the above mentioned ballot, subsequent updates in regard to RMG ignoring our national and local agreements, managerial Executive Action, the CEO writing directly to all employees and the Senior Field Officials’ feedback meeting held on 6^th September, the Postal Executive have met today, (Wednesday 7^th September 2022), following which notification has been sent to the company of our intention to take the following industrial action:

The strike will cover all duties and scheduled attendance commencing between the period at or after 04:00 on Friday 30^th September 2022 and before 04:00 on Sunday 2^nd October 2022.  The industrial action will be discontinuous.

This strike action is seen as a proportionate response to the Executive Action that is taking place in the field and is the first that will take place in relation to the separate dispute above.

The General Secretary and myself will still continue to seek a Joint Statement with the company that enables meaningful negotiations and a period of calm.  In addition, we will continue to pursue and widen the exposure of the reported VESA takeover of Royal Mail Group.

We would like to thank all of our Representatives and members for your continued support.

Any enquiries in relation to the content of this LTB should be addressed to the DGS(P) Department.

Yours sincerely,                                                Yours sincerely,

Terry Pullinger                                                              Dave Ward

Deputy General Secretary (Postal)                General Secretary     

22LTB358

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POST OFFICE: PAY DISPUTE 2021/22 & ACAS TALKS FOR 2022/23

The Postal Executive would like to thank our Post Office members, Branches and Reps for their vital support for the strike action around the August bank holiday weekend.  All reports received indicate massive support from members, which demonstrates that the determination and resilience has been maintained over a number of months.

We met with Post Office again at Acas on Tuesday 30^th August and disappointingly, Post Office was not prepared to improve the current offer of 5% plus a £500 lump sum payment from 1^st April 2022.  Prior to this meeting, we felt progress was starting to be made and this included the exploration of various scenarios designed to resolve both the 2021/22 pay dispute and this year.

At the close of the Acas meeting, Post Office advised they would formally place on record their position and this letter arrived late on Friday 2^nd September.  Subsequently, the Postal Executive has today considered developments overall and we have now exhausted the Acas process for the 2022/23 pay review year, meaning we have now formally entered into another Trade Dispute, requiring a further ballot for strike action.

Members are facing a pay freeze for 2021/22 and just 5% plus £500 for 2022/23.  This combined position over two years, when viewed against the prevailing cost of living emergency, is appalling, especially as Post Office made healthy profits in the last two years.  The Postal Executive has therefore made decisions today around next steps including further strike action.  Branches and members will be notified of this action in due course.  We are of course required by law to give two weeks’ notice for strike action and the life of the current ballot expires on 28^th September.

Finally, the Postal Executive recognises our Post Office members have displayed great tenacity, which has helped in the negotiations thus far.  It is, however, clear that due to the attitude of Post Office, further strike action is required.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary

22LTB356 Post Office – Pay Dispute 2021-22 & Acas Talks for 2022-23

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RMG DISPUTE – A LETTER SENT TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE ON THE POTENTIAL TAKEOVER OF ROYAL MAIL GROUP

The purpose of this LTB is to explain that the union has now written to the Secretary of State for BEIS seeking an urgent meeting and raising major concerns over a potential takeover bid of the Royal Mail Group by VESA Equity Investment Group.

We believe this may well explain the actions of the company over the last six months and their dishonesty was exposed in the media last week, when they were unable to give a straight answer to the questions being asked about this development.

We also believe that this this development will have a major bearing on our ability to resolve our current disputes and it is essential that company come clean on what is really going on in the background.

We have attached a copy of our letter to the Secretary of State and we are asking all Branches and representatives to circulate this to our members in every workplace.

Given the seriousness of the situation, we are also asking reps and members to raise the matter directly with your local and area managers, demanding answers to what has been happening.

It cannot be a coincidence that when we raised this with the Chair and CEO of the company in our letter of the 24^th August – that less than 48 hours later – the Government and Royal Mail issued statements to the City of London confirming that the proposed bid was now subject to a national security investigation by the Government.

You will see from the content of the letter that the union is asking serious questions about the honesty, transparency and integrity of the Royal Mail Group, including the legitimacy of their actions and whether there are financial incentives involved.

We will also ensure that the letter is reissued tomorrow to the new Secretary of State for BEIS, once this is confirmed by the new Prime Minister.

We will advise you on further developments on this issue and any discussions with Royal Mail in due course.

In the meantime, please give the letter the widest possible circulation.

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward                                                 Terry Pullinger
General Secretary                                 Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

22LTB354 RMG DISPUTE A LETTER SENT TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE ON THE POTENTIAL TAKEOVER OF ROYAL MAIL GROUP

5.9.22 Secretary of State Kwasi Kwarteng

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Ken McKenzie Award for Lifelong Learning 2022

Branches will be aware of the policy adopted at General Conference 2010 to present the “Ken McKenzie Award for Lifelong Learning”, which is presented to a Union Learning Representative (ULR) or group of ULRs who have made a significant contribution to lifelong learning within the CWU. The award is presented each year at our CWU ULR National Networking Event. This year will follow tradition and be part of the agenda at this year’s event scheduled to be held in Glasgow over two days on the 16th and 17th November 2022.

We are now inviting applications for the 2022 Annual Ken McKenzie Award for Lifelong Learning. The award will be made in recognition of exceptional achievements and contributions to lifelong learning and training by a CWU ULR or a group of CWU ULRs.

Nominations can be made by Branches, Regional Learning Committees or Regional Committees via letter or email to my Department.

Nominations should include a summary of the nominated ULR or group of ULRs endeavours and achievements and be sent to: Michelle Simpson, Equality, Education & Development, CWU, 150 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London, SW19 1RX or email learn@cwu.org

The closing date for nominations will be FRIDAY 1ST NOVEMBER 2022.

Any queries relating to this LTB should be addressed to learn@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Kate Hudson
Head of Equality, Education & Development

22LTB 353 – Ken McKenzie Award for Lifelong Learning 2022

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Care4Calais and Refugee Community Kitchen

I am pleased to inform Branches and Regions of a new CWUHA initiative, which is going to see a number CWU BAME Regional Leads team up with CWUHA to assist with a project that will see the delivery of vital aid and volunteer assistance being given to some of the most vulnerable people fleeing persecution and conflict, in Northern France.

A delegation, which will also include staff from CWU Equality, Education & Development and trustees of the CWUHA are planning to travel to Calais and Dunkirk on Saturday 15^th October 2022.  This is a partnership initiative and we will be working with both Care4Calais and Refugee Community Kitchen once out in France.

Our Branches and Regions have given incredibly generously in other appeals we have promoted and we would ask that you give consideration to support this excellent humanitarian initiative in taking aid and volunteers to Calais.

Donations to the CWUHA can be made directly to them via their website.

For any enquiries in relation to this matter please contact CWUHA Trustee Trish Vollans (trish.vollans@openreach.co.uk)

If you would like to donate – you can either send a cheque made payable to CWUHA (write on the back ‘Calais‘ ) to:

Carl Webb, 75 Garstang Road, Preston, PR1 1LD or via BACs to:

CWUHA Account
Unity Trust
Bank: Unity Trust
Sort Code: 608301
Acc no: 20031169

It is important to use ref: Calais

Thank you for your support in this matter.

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward
General Secretary                                      

22LTB352 Care4Calais and Refugee Community Kitchen

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RMG Driver/Road Safety – ‘Distracted Driving Kills’ Campaign (RMG SHE Huddle/Briefing FY22 050):

“Turn it Off – Put it Out of Sight” – Drivers are four times more likely to have a road accident when using a mobile phone – as the tragic A1(M) horror crash proved

Introduction:

The Royal Mail Group Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Team are launching a ‘Distracted Driving Kills’ driver and road safety communications campaign and staff briefing during week commencing 5 September with the issue of RMG SHE Huddle/Briefing FY22 050 (copy attached). A campaign slide/screen shot will also go out on the RMG plasma screens, RMTV and on the RMG Intranet (copy attached).

Overview Message and Top Tip – “Turn it Off – Put it Out of Sight”

‘BRAKE’ the Road Safety Charity’s ‘top tip’ to drivers is that the only way to avoid dangerous distraction from your phone is to switch it to silent and put it out of sight and reach when you’re driving.

The Highway Code & Road Traffic Act Changes – Toughening Up The Law and new ‘Zero Tolerance’ approach: 

From 25 March 2022, motorists are breaking the law if they use a handheld phone behind the wheel for any use.  The 2022 law change now prohibits any driver from using their handheld device for anything, including taking photos or videos, scrolling through playlists, playing games, watching videos or websites —EVEN if the vehicle isn’t moving.

In announcing the change, the Minister said that the government has now closed a loophole previously exploited by dangerous drivers to escape conviction. Anyone caught using their mobile phone/handheld device while driving under the updated law now faces a fine of up to £1,000 as well as 6 points on their licence or a full driving ban.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) report that just over 90,000 drivers were caught and convicted of being distracted at the wheel and not being in full control of their vehicle last year, the majority for using a mobile phone, with 1,000 of those being caught more than once during that period. From March this year those caught are given a CU80 endorsement on their driving licence, as well as six penalty points and a fine of up to £1,000.

Hands-Free Mobile Phone Use:

Research is clear that hands-free use of a mobile device is just as dangerous as hand-held use and leaves you four times more likely to be involved in a serious crash. It is not the visual distraction of the phone which causes this, but the cognitive impairment/loss of concentration caused by the conversation. If a driver is involved in an RTC collision then the driver’s phone will be taken by police and any use, including hands-free will be analysed and used as evidence that the driver was not fully focussed on their driving, to support a prosecution.

Prosecutions and the Serious Consequences of Distracted Driving Accidents and Disasters – ‘Don’t Let It Happen To You!’:

Here in summary are four example cases which demonstrate the very worst of what distracted driving can lead to by way of death, disaster and consequences with drivers receiving long prison sentences.

In 2021 Lorry driver Ion Onut was jailed for 8 years and 10 months and banned from driving for 14 years and 5 months after three people were killed and several others seriously injured when his loaded, articulated HGV ploughed into a queue of stationary traffic at 58MPH on the A1(M) motorway on 15 July 2021. Truck driver Ion Onut had been browsing websites on his phone and failed to stop. His life has been ruined, along with the lives of the deceased, the seriously injured and their families. Every other vehicle on the motorway managed to stop that day when they saw traffic ahead but Mr Onut didn’t because he was distracted by his mobile phone.

In 2018 Lorry driver David Wagstaff was jailed for 3 years and 4 months and banned for driving for 5 years after he drove his FedEx lorry into a stationary minibus on the M1 motorway, killing 8 people and injuring 4 others. The Truck driver Wagstaff had been so distracted by using his mobile phone he took no action whatsoever to avoid a collision because he wasn’t concentrating on what was in front of him – The Judge said “The mini-bus was there to be seen and you didn’t see it because you mind was elsewhere”.

In 2017 Lorry driver Roy Woods was jailed for 5 years and banned from driving for 7 and a half years after he ran into two stationary motorcycles. One motorcyclist was killed and one was injured in the fatal crash. The truck driver Woods was using a mobile phone at the time of the collision and had become so distracted by the conversation he was having that as the motorbikes ahead of him stopped at the turning, indicating to turn right, he failed to react in time, colliding with both bikes. He was using a set of earphones and his handset was attached to the dashboard in front of him. Woods had spent one hour and 46 minutes of the five hours he had driven that day, having phone conversations.

In 2016 Coach driver Martin Chun was jailed for 5 years and banned from driving for 4 years after he lost control and crashed his coach, killing two elderly passengers. At the time of the crash Chun was having a phone conversation with his son using a hands-free mobile, and at the trial, the jury was told he was in a “telephone-induced stupor” and was distracted and not concentrating on his driving. The evidence showed that Chun had made and taken a number of phone calls during the coach trip which were not dealt with briefly, but Chun chose to reconnect the calls on two or three occasions.

A1(M) Fatal Crash Disaster – Short Video “Look What You’ve Done – Three Lives Lost and One Changed Forever” (distressing content) 

A short, shocking video of the A1(M) crash when a distracted articulated HGV driver on a mobile phone crashed into stationary traffic at 58 MPH killing three and seriously injuring several others can be watched on these links:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-tyne-62291872

or

What The Driving and Road Safety Expert Organisations Say (RoSPA, AA, BRAKE, RHA and RAC): 

‘RoSPA’ say that a substantial body of research shows that using a hand-held or hands-free mobile phone while driving is a significant distraction, and substantially increases the risk of the driver crashing.

‘The AA’ state that according to official accident data there are 4,500 injury accidents a year where driver distraction is recorded as a contributory factor of which 800 are serious and 125 are fatal.

‘BRAKE’ the road safety campaign charity say “A moment’s distraction can be fatal. Employers must implement policies and take steps to educate drivers on the risks of driving whilst distracted.  Distraction is a major cause of collisions, with too many unnecessary injuries and lives lost every year as a result. Commercial fleet operators need to proactively identify and coach distracted driving out of their fleets.”

‘The Road Haulage Association (RHA)’ said “It’s an inescapable fact that people who drive for a living are risking both their own life as well as those of other road users by using a mobile phone, making calls, texting etc. while behind the wheel. There can be no excuse for engaging in any of these practices while driving. The RHA deplore this type of behaviour, whether from the driver of a car or a heavy goods vehicle. It puts the driver, other road users and pedestrians at risk. The consequences of such actions as texting, using a mobile phone or indulging in other distracting activities while driving can be absolutely catastrophic. Those who flout the regulations regarding safe driving practice must be made to face the consequences.”

‘The RAC’ road safety spokesperson said “Far too many drivers are still breaking the law and putting others on the road needlessly at risk. Using a handheld mobile phone at the wheel is illegal and dangerous and, like drink-driving, ruins lives. Worryingly, the RAC’s research shows that a quarter of drivers are still making or receiving calls with a handheld phone while driving and incredibly a small but sizeable proportion even admit to filming videos or playing games at the wheel. Driving is one of the most dangerous things we do on a daily basis, and requires full concentration to do so safely.”

Royal Mail Policy 

Royal Mail Group’s ‘Mandatory’ policy is clear, that drivers must never use a mobile phone, PDA, other mobile device or anything that will or has the potential to cause a distraction whilst driving. This includes the use of devices via Bluetooth or other ‘hands-free’ connectivity, whether for the purposes of making or receiving calls, sending or receiving messages via text, email or any other format including accessing the internet, social media or any similar application. This policy applies to drivers of all vehicles types across all business functions including Parcelforce, RMSS, RM Fleet, RMP&FS, RME etc., and includes managers and non-ops driving company or private cars for business purposes.

The Aims and Benefits of the Campaign are:

To increase awareness amongst drivers and managers, improve driving standards, road safety and highway code compliance. The SHE Huddle/Briefing FY22 050 gives advice to help avoid RTC incidents, avoid driver prosecutions and keep Royal Mail and Pacelforce drivers and other road users safe. 

Managers and PiC Actions:

• Managers and PiCs to brief all drivers – delivering the SHE Huddle/Briefing FY22 050, raising awareness of the extreme dangers of driver distractions.

Driver Actions:

1. Ensure that you are always fully focused on your driving.
2. Know where you are going before you leave and if you are using a sat/nav, programme it before you drive.
3. Turn your phone to silent and put it out of sight so you are not tempted to look.
4. Do not read addresses whilst driving – pull over if you need to.
5. Do not wear earphones/headphones whilst driving and keep the radio at a sensible volume.

CWU ASRs/WSRs Actions: 

This campaign is supported by the CWU HQ Health, Safety & Environment Department. CWU ASR/WSR full support and participation is much appreciated by Royal Mail, Parcelforce Worldwide, RMSS, RMP&FS and CWU HQ. ASRs/WSRs should ensure that the briefing is delivered to drivers and ensure drivers are aware of the extreme dangers and risks of driver distraction and the consequences. 

Attachments:

• SHE Huddle FY22 050 – RMG Driver/Road Safety – ‘Distracted Driving Kills’ Campaign
• RMTV Campaign Screenshot
• RoSPA Mobile Phones & Driving Factsheet

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB351 RMG Driver Road Safety – Distracted Driving Kills Campaign (RMG SHE Huddle Briefing FY22 050)

SHE Huddle FY22 050 Distraction

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RoSPA-Mobile-phones-and-driving-factsheet-2022

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