Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

To: All Branches
Dear Colleagues,
Suicide is the single biggest killer of men aged under 45 in the UK.
The Campaign Against Living Miserably, or CALM, is a charitable, campaigning organisation that exists to prevent male suicide in the UK and to improve support for those bereaved or affected by suicide which currently accounts for 78% of all suicides. The CALM organisation seeks to prevent male suicide by: 
Offering support to men in the UK who are down or in crisis via their helpline services, website and magazine.

Challenging a culture that prevents men seeking help when they need it. 

Pushing for changes in policy and practice so that suicide is better prevented.

CALM encourage men, a high-risk group, to get help in difficult times. Their campaign raises awareness of the CALM helpline, website, webchat and magazine, which provide direct support to men who are depressed or in crisis.

CALM runs a private forum for people bereaved by suicide and host the SBSP website. 

CALM’s public facing staff members are ASIST trained.

CALM are founding members of TASC & SBSP and attend APPG Suicide Prevention meetings. They host an agency database on their website, signposting to relevant services.

CALM pushes for change at a governmental level, calling for more robust reporting of suicide by coroners and for gender to become a permanent thread through the national suicide prevention strategy.

CALM inform the CWU that they struggle to cope with demand and the level of interest from supporters, volunteers, fundraisers as well as from the press and wider public. This is testament to the success of their campaign and service provision, which reaches out and provides support to men, an otherwise neglected high-risk group.
More about Suicide
Suicide is the single biggest killer of men aged under 45 in the UK.

Men are three times more likely than women to take their own life.

Every day more than 12 men take their own life in the UK.

There were 6,117 suicides in the UK in 2015 of which 75% were male.

Male suicide has an enormous emotional impact on those bereaved, who are then much more likely to take their own lives.

Male suicide costs an estimated £20m each day (each suicide is estimated to cost £1.67million).

Of men under the age of 45 in the UK, more than 4 in 10 (42%) have contemplated taking their own life.

Less than half of men who said they contemplated suicide spoke to anyone about how they were feeling with most reporting that they didn’t want to cause a fuss or make others worry, and almost 1 in 3 said they didn’t speak up because they didn’t know how to talk about it.

The most common reasons men feel low are: failing at work or school, money problems, losing someone, and appearance.

ABOUT ‘CALM’
Why only men?

In 2014 there were 6,109 suicides in the UK, of which 76%, or 4,623, were male, and suicide currently stands as the biggest single killer of men aged under 45 in this country. The ratio of male to female suicide has shown a sustained rise over the last 30 years. In 1981 men accounted for 62% of suicides in this country, which rose to 70% in 1988, 75% in 1995 and hit 78% in 2013. (Source: ONS)
CALM wants to make people aware that suicide is a gender issue; CALM want to challenge those social constraints preventing men from seeking help when they need it and the charity wants to support those affected by suicide and depression, as well as develop the support available for the bereaved through the Suicide Bereavement Support Partnership. Even though CALM is focused on men, they take calls to their helpline and web chat from anyone. It’s CALM’s belief that all of us at one time or another, regardless of gender, will hit a crisis and we could all do with specialist help when things go wrong.
Why are the stats for men so high?

CALM believe that there are social and cultural barriers that prevent men from speaking out. From feedback CALM has received, and research conducted, men often say that they don’t feel comfortable expressing how they feel if they’re having a bad time, as they’re expected to be strong at all times, and not being so equates to weakness or failure as a man. The Men’s Health Forum (MHF) research confirms that Men are far worse than Women in every respect when it comes to looking after their own health and wellbeing.
How long has CALM been around?

CALM was first launched as a pilot by the Department of Health in Manchester in 1997, in response to a spike in young male suicides and was then extended to Merseyside in 2000. Factory Records boss Tony Wilson supported the pilot, which was run by Jane Powell, who created a powerful and effective campaign which directly reached out to young men on their terms through music. In 2004/5 the pilot was due to end and Tony Wilson supported the move to make CALM a charity, and became a Founding Trustee when the charity was launched in 2006.
What services does CALM offer?

CALM currently takes over 5,000 calls to their helpline each month, around 80% from men, and 20% from women.
In August 2014, CALM launched its ‘Webchat’ service which replaced the texting service and ‘CALM Webchat’ is going from strength to strength.
The CALM Website is filled with articles, stories and experiences there to both entertain and inform, and written by men and for men. The website also contains a database of local agencies for Men to find more specific support on particular issues.
CALM has a free quarterly men’s magazine, “CALMzine”, which is available at ‘Topman’ stores across the country, and is stocked in other independent retailers, record stores, comedy clubs and Gyms in London.
When is CALM Helpline & Webchat open?

The CALM Helpline and Webchat services are open from 5pm to midnight every day of the year. National Helpline Number: 0800 58 58 58; London Helpline Number: 0808 802 58 58. Calls are confidential and anonymous. Calls to the London number are free from landlines, payphones and all mobiles. Calls to the national number are free from landlines, payphones and from all mobiles. Calls won’t show up on phone bills.
What happens when someone calls the Helpline?

CALM offers a friendly ear who will listen and talk through any issue a caller wants to talk about. Trained helpline workers will then work towards creating a positive action plan for the caller, which will include signposting to local and/or national services. All calls are confidential and anonymous. CALM will never ask for names or addresses.
Do CALM support people bereaved by suicide?

CALM is a founding member of the ‘Suicide Bereavement Support Partnership’, which is working toward ensuring that anyone bereaved or affected by suicide has access to timely and appropriate support.
If you have been bereaved or affected by suicide and feel you need or would benefit from support, or you want more information, please visit the CALM partner website: http://www.suicidebereavementsupport.com
How can I help my friend or family member?

It’s always very difficult if you’re worried that someone close to you is at risk of suicide. The CALM Helpline is there for everyone, not only those in crisis, so you can call to find out more info on how to help them. You can also find support information on the CALM ‘Worried About Someone’ page, also visit at the CALM ‘Get Help’ page to find more information on particular issues.
Is CALM a big organisation?

CALM is a small charity. There are currently only 5 full-time paid members of staff. CALM relies heavily on the generous time, energy and skills of volunteers, supporters, and fundraisers to keep the campaign running.
Does CALM have any volunteering opportunities? How can I get involved?

CALM currently takes on volunteers in the London office for a range of different tasks, and they also have City Street Teams filled with people ready to head out to gigs, comedy events, festivals, fundraisers and more. Anyone interested in volunteering with CALM, should sign up to the CALM campaign.
Does CALM take volunteers on your helpline?

Unfortunately not. Our helpline is operated by a Community Interest Company set up to support the work of CALM by providing dedicated helpline services. As such, there are only trained and paid persons working on the helpline.
Where does CALM get funding from?

CALM receives funding from charitable trusts and foundations, health commissioners, corporate partnerships and public donations to support CALM services. At the end of the Financial Year (March 2015), CALM’s income was £647,454. Further information can be found in our Annual Accounts, which are publicly available from the Charity Commission.
Where does the money go?

CALM helpline and webchat accounts for over half of CALM’s annual outgoings, since CALM takes on the cost of calls in order to ensure calls to the helpline are free for everyone. Since CALM is a small organisation, it has minimal red tape, so all the money raised really does go directly back in to the organisation and to fund CALM services.
Motion 69(2016)

Motion 69 was carried at CWU General Conference in 2016 as follows:-
“Motion 69(2016)
Coference is becoming increasingly concerned about the increased rate of suicide within young men under the age of 45.
Figures collated by the Campaign Against Living Miserably (Calm) show there were 4,623 male suicides in the UK in 2014, the second highest number in 15 years and the equivalent of 12 deaths a day.
In this country we have a problem that we can’t shy away from anymore. Suicide is the biggest killer of men under the age of 45, 32% of men who contemplated suicide didn’t want people to worry about them while 41% of men who contemplated suicide felt that they couldn’t talk about their feelings.
With such a rise in the rates of suicide in young men, it is now becoming a serious health issue. More men feeling able to talk about their problems and seek help would be a step in the right direction. That said, improvement in attitudes alone can’t serve as a substitute for resources and the funding of services that help people when they need it.
Conference therefore calls for the Executive to work with charities such as CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) to raise awareness of the help and support that exist.
The Executive to arrange a campaign, by means of posters, leaflets and the relevant helplines available to encourage more of our male members to highlight and talk about any issues causing them a concern.  
Great Western Branch”  
CWU & CALM Engagement

Subsequently discussions took place with the ‘CALM’ General Manager and other Officials as did discussions between CWU and other Campaigning Charities including ‘PAPYRUS’ and ‘The Samaritans’. CALM attended and had a stand at the CWU 2017 Annual Conference where CALM reported a high level of interest and engagement with Conference delegates.
CALM has suggested that CWU Representatives and Members can:
Check the CALM website for regular updates on CALM’s campaigns and activity and how to get involved,

Follow CALM on social media for lots of information, news and articles about men, mental health and society in general

Get in touch with CALM to ask for materials for Branches and Workplace.

CALM recommend their CALMzine mag, which is a lifestyle magazine and a great read for any man.

CALM has other promotional materials also.

CALM Speakers and Workshops

If any CWU Branches, Regions, Regional H&S Forums or other collectives within the Union are interested in talks or workshops put on by CALM speakers, they would be happy to do these but given the size of CWU, the small charity would need to carefully diarise commitments as they don’t have huge internal resource. CALM does make a small charge for more interactive sessions and workshops as they do involve an investment in time but are really great ways of facilitating conversations in the workplace about what it means to be a man and getting some of these difficult issues out in the open.
CALM Organisation & Contact Details
Joel Beckman

General Manager

CALM – Campaign Against Living Miserably

PO Box 68766 London SE1P 4JZ

Charity Reg No: 1110621 & Scot SC044347 

Tel: 02036979331

Mob:07713634779

Email: joelbeckman@thecalmzone.net

 

Bríd Anne McKeown

Volunteer & Supporter Engagement Officer

CALM – Campaign Against Living Miserably

PO Box 68766 London SE1P 4JZ

Charity Reg No: 1110621 & Scot SC044347 

Tel:02036979331

Mob:0750 785 5093

Email: brid@thecalmzone.net

Website: http://www.thecalmzone.net/

Twitter: @thecalmzone

Facebook: Campaign-Against-Living-Miserably

You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/user/thecalmzonenet

General Email: info@thecalmzone.net

CALM Helpline

The CALM free of charge, anonymous and confidential Helpline is for men who are feeling down or need to talk of find information and support. 

Open from 5pm – Midnight every day.

Nationwide:- 0800 58 58 58 

London:- 0808 802 58 58 

(Outside these Hours Ring The Samaritans on 116 123 – round the clock, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you need a response immediately, it’s best to call on the phone. This number is FREE to call. You don’t have to be suicidal to call. Alternatively Email:- jo@Samaritans.org)
Webchat
The CALM Webchat is open from 5pm – Midnight every day.

CALM Factsheets – Learn more about an issue:-  
 Abuse

 Alcohol & Drugs

 Anger

 Anxiety

 Bereavement

 Support After Suicide

 Bi-Polar

 Bullying

 Depression

 Divorce & Separation

 Eating Disorders

 Exam Stress

 Financial Stress

 Gambling

 Hair Loss

 Hearing Voices

 Homelessness

 Impotence

 In Care

 Masturbation

 Mental Health

 OCD

 PTSD

 Racism

 Relationships

 Self Harm

 Sexuality

 Suicide

 Terminal Illness

 Work issues
All the above listed CALM Factsheets are available for download at the following CALM Website Link:- https://www.thecalmzone.net/help/get-help/

Alternatively, materials can be ordered from CALM for a suggested donation. Telephone the above numbers for details.
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
“All men, at times of need, may not know where to turn or go. CALM gives this freedom to know there is always someone to listen and more importantly help. Suicide is preventable.”
“Things can get tough, but CALM can help you get your life back. Being silent isn’t being strong.”
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 383/17 Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

External Building Cladding and BT Fire Safety 
To: All Branches 
Dear Colleagues,
In light of the horrific events at Grenfell Tower, there has been a lot of interest raised regarding how BT manages this issue across their estate. With that in mind BT have drafted a briefing document that summarises the fire strategy in BT and the next steps they will be taking to ensure they identify specific risks, which will be addressed as appropriate. Please see the BT briefing on cladding attached.
And if you’re a field engineer whose work takes you into blocks of flats as part of your role, you’ll know from the news that all local authorities are reviewing the fire risks on all blocks of flats and similar buildings. It’s important to be aware of, and follow any updated advice given by the local authorities or building owners before entering buildings.
This has been briefed out to staff and there will also be an article included in the next edition of Safe & Well.
Attachment: BT Brief on London Tower Fire
Yours sincerely
 
Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
 
 
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 382/17 LTB 382/17 External Building Cladding and BT Fire SafetyT

BT Brief on London Tower Fire

14,500 ATTACKS ON POSTAL WORKERS OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARSCWU and ROYAL MAILLAUNCH 2017 DOG AWARENESS WEEK
To: All Branches with Postal Members
Dear Colleagues, 
Reproduced below for your information is a Press Release issued today by Royal Mail and the CWU. 
Around 14,500 dog attacks have taken place on postmen and woman over the last five years , with around 2,500 in the last year alone

Royal Mail’s fifth annual Dog Awareness Week launches today and runs from the 3 to 8 July 2017. It aims to raise awareness of the issue of dog attacks and encourage responsible dog ownership

The number of dog attacks on postmen and women has fallen since the peak in 2007/8 of 6,500 primarily due to the CWU Bite-Back Campaign and legal changes won by the Union, toughening up the Dangerous Dogs Act. The reduction in attacks is encouraging but it is still too high at two and a half thousand a year. The Union estimates there could be 500 to 1000 more minor attacks that go unreported. Every dog attack is one attack too many

On average there are still seven attacks take place each day across the UK, some leading to a permanent and disabling injury

In the last year, 71% of attacks on postal workers happened at the front door or in the front garden

Postmen and women need to be able to deliver the service they provide in communities across the UK without the risk of injury

The number of dog attacks on postmen and women increases during summer holidays, when children and parents are at home and dogs are more likely to be out in the garden

The Police, Dog wardens and major Dog charities are lending support to the Dog Awareness Week campaign including Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Dogs Trust, PDSA, Wood Green Animal Shelter, Dog Trainers, Local Authorities, the National Police Chief’s Council and the National Dog Wardens Association.

Dog Awareness Week is a joint Royal Mail – Communications Workers Union initiative.

A special Dog Awareness Week postmark will be applied to all stamped items from Monday 3 July 2017 to Saturday 8 July 2017 

Royal Mail has revealed that over the last five years there have been around 14,500 dog attacks on postmen and woman across the UK, with around 2,500 in the last year alone. 
The fifth annual Dog Awareness Week launched today (Monday 3rd July) runs from 3 to 8 July 2017. The week aims to raise awareness of the issue of dog attacks on postmen and women and encourage responsible dog ownership. 
The number of dog attacks on postmen and women has fallen on the previous year. This reduction in attacks is encouraging but it is still too high at 2,500 a year. Every dog attack is one attack too many. On average there is still as many as seven attacks take place each day, some leading to a permanent and disabling injury. The CWU estimate a further 500 – 1000 minor attacks and near miss incidents may be going unreported. 
Royal Mail and the CWU knows that most dogs are not inherently dangerous, however, even the most placid animal can be prone to attack if it feels its territory is being threatened. Royal Mail’s stated first priority as an employer is to ensure the welfare and safety of the workforce who provide a valuable service to customers across the length and breadth of the UK and in every community. The CWU endorses this approach. 
Research also shows that the number of attacks rises during the school holidays and in the summer months when parents and children are at home. 
In the last year, 71% of dog attacks on postal workers have happened at the front door or in the front garden. At these times, dogs are more likely to be unsupervised in the garden or the dog is not kept under control when the postman or woman knocks on the door. 
Royal Mail and the Communications Workers Unions’ Dog Awareness Week is supported by a wide range of organisations and animal charities including Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Dogs Trust, the National Police Chief’s Council and the National Dog Wardens Association. 
CWU National Health and Safety Officer Dave Joyce said “Seven postal workers attacked by dogs every day of the year is unacceptable and the whole idea of Dog Awareness Week is to highlight the problem and the repercussions for dog owners and the victims, many of whom are seriously injured”. 
“Over 70% of dog attacks on postmen and women occur on the garden path or at the doorstep of the dog’s owner home. It just needs owners to restrict their animals’ access to the front garden or to put their dog in another room before opening the door to collect a parcel or sign for an item”. 
“Customers are always pleased to see the postman or postwoman arrive as they’re eager to take delivery of their goods they’ve ordered and paid for on the internet but thousands of them unfortunately don’t give a second thought to the postal worker’s safety by putting the dog in a safe, secure place. The vast majority of our customers and their dogs aren’t a problem but irresponsible and reckless dog owners are.“ 
“The new dog control laws now identify and penalises irresponsible dog owners and many are now facing prosecution and paying heavy court penalties and getting criminal records. So it’s in their best interest in more ways than one to make sure the dog doesn’t bite the postman/woman. One owner was recently fined £8,800 after his dog injured a postwoman’s fingers as she put letters through the door – which is another big problem postal workers face! The penalties can include losing their dogs, being banned from dog ownership, paying compensation, big fines and even a jail sentence.” 
“Dog owners need to fully understand that their actions usually are the cause of a dog being dangerous and simple precautions can prevent the pain for everyone concerned. No matter what breed of dog is involved, the dog can present a substantial danger to postal workers.”
TV presenter and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Ambassador, Paul O’Grady is backing the campaign and said: “Many people find it endearing when their dogs are protective of their owners and homes, but this can quickly escalate, no matter what breed or size of dog, resulting in dog bite incidents. You may feel your dog is the softest in the world but other people can be intimidated by their behaviour and this isn’t fair. No one should feel unsafe while doing their job, including postmen and women. As owners it’s our responsibility to train our pets to behave appropriately around strangers. Encourage good behaviour and spend time getting your pets familiar with people visiting the house.” 
Dr Shaun Davis, Royal Mail Group Global Director of Safety, Health, Wellbeing & Sustainability added: “There have been around 14,500 attacks on our postman and woman over the last five years, with around 2,500 this year alone. Some of these attacks have led to extremely serious and life changing injuries and this is unacceptable”.
“While the number of dog attacks on postmen and women has fallen in the last year, the numbers are still far too high. Our postmen and women need to be able to deliver the service they provide to communities across the UK, without the risk of injury. This is why this campaign is so important. We need to keep raising awareness of this serious issue and ask all dog owners to keep their pets under control and be a responsible dog owner.”
Dogs Trust has been a supporter of the campaign for the last five years and Director of Canine Behaviour and Research Dr Rachel Casey said; “Teaching dogs how to settle in a home environment and not be worried by the arrival of the postman is such an important day-to-day skill, but one that is often overlooked. Teaching dogs to be relaxed when the post arrives makes a world of difference to yours and the postperson’s day. It also takes relatively little time to teach, especially when introduced early in life. Where dogs are reactive it is important to put in place simple safety measures, such as keeping them away from the door when the post arrives, in the short term. 
“However, with a bit of work dogs can learn that postmen and women coming to the door is a normal occurrence and not something to be either worried or excited about – once this is established this daily event can pass them by.” 
To help promote dog safety, a special Dog Awareness Week postmark will be applied to all stamped items from Monday 3July 2017 to Saturday 8 July 2017. 
A wide range of activities will be taking place during Dog Awareness Week including;
CWU National Health and Safety Officer Dave Joyce is giving a number of Press, Media and Radio interviews across the Country along with victims and Royal Mail spokespersons

Royal Mail postmen and women will be speaking about their own experiences of dog attacks to colleagues and the public

Dog Awareness posters will be in place in all Royal Mail enquiry office’s giving dog owners tips on how they can help

Dog wardens will be visiting a number of Delivery Offices across the country giving dog safety talks to postmen and women

Dogs Trust’s expert behaviourist Dr Rachel Casey is available to talk about dog behaviour to help people understand the mind of the dog

Work Time Briefings will be given to staff on Dog Awareness and Dog Safety measures.

A widespread Communications will be launched by RM and CWU including a Newsflash, Briefings, RMTV, CWU LTBs, ASR Bulletins and CWU Website and Voice Articles.

RM Safety Advisors and CWU Area Safety Reps will be visiting and inspecting high impact Delivery Offices and speaking to Delivery Managers and Staff.

Top Postcode Areas for Highest Number of Attacks
Postcode Area Number of attacks
Northern Ireland 67
BN 64
PE 60
GU 58
S 51
TN 51
ME 49
BS 48
LS 46
NG 43
Top Tips for Dog Owners
Even the most lovable dog can be a danger to postal staff. Dogs are territorial by nature and if they feel they need to protect their family, they can become unpredictable.
Here are some top tips and ideas for dog owners to help your postman or postwoman deliver your post in safety:
If you have a back garden, please close off the access, in case your dog could get round to the front when the postman calls.

Dog attacks can happen when you’ve opened the door to collect or sign for an item. Please keep your dog in another room before answering the door and make sure children don’t open the door, as dogs can push by them and attack.

Give your dog some food or a toy to occupy them while your mail is being delivered

Wait 10 minutes after your mail has arrived to let your pet back into your hallway. Keep everything as calm and low-key as possible.

If your dog likes to attack your mail consider installing a wire letter receptacle. It will protect your post, and your postman’s fingers

Please ensure your dog is microchipped, wearing a collar and tag and that your contact details on the tag and microchip are up to date.

Further Royal Mail Website Information is available at: http://www.royalmail.com/dogawareness and http://www.royalmailgroup.com/dogs for hints and tips on dog safety. Communication Workers Union Website is at: http://www.cwu.org/
[Reproduced below for your information is a Press Release issued today by Royal Mail and the CWU.]
Attachment: Dog Awareness Week Infographics 
Yours Sincerely
 
Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 378/17 14,500 ATTACKS ON POSTAL WORKERS OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS

Dog Awareness Graphics

CWU Four Pillars of Security Campaign – Bulletin No. 5
Further to LTB 351/17, attached is Bulletin No 5 concerning the Four Pillars of Security campaign.
The attached Bulletin has also been shared with Divisional, Regional and Area Representatives – as will all future Bulletins.
As previously advised, it is imperative that every Branch ensures that each Bulletin is forwarded to Unit/Local/Shift Representatives via email and if necessary by physical means without delay.
The co-operation and assistance of all Branches in this regard is greatly appreciated.
Any enquiries in relation to the content of this LTB should be addressed to the DGS(P) Department.
Yours sincerely
Terry Pullinger

Deputy General Secretary (Postal)
Email Attachments – Click to download
· LTB 370/17 – CWU Four Pillars of Security Campaign – Bulletin No. 5
· Attachment 1 to LTB 370/17 – CWU Four Pillars of Security Campaign – Bulletin No. 5

Accepting Postboxable Mail on Delivery Trial 

Dear Colleague,

 

Branches and Representatives will be aware as part of the commitment contained within the Agenda for Growth Agreement a Collections Joint Working Group was established in order to jointly address the challenge of increasing collections and delivery competition in letters and parcels.

 

As a result we have agreed to undertake a 2 month trial starting in July 2017 whereby delivery colleagues will accept Postboxable mail handed to them by customers during the course of performing their deliveries. This builds on the existing commitment within the 2014 Postbox Strategy agreement to retain the facility for customers in rural areas to hand letters to their delivery postmen/women.

 

The offices selected for this trial are Salford/Umston, Rochdale, Bexleyheath and Purley.

 

As part of this trial, there will be a detailed evaluation to determine the potential impact across a range of areas on accepting mail from customers whilst on delivery in urban area(s) in order to understand the viability from both a commercial and operational perspective, in particular the impact on delivery operations. Key areas of activity will be:

 

• Develop a set of operating parameters for an urban area trial, including relevant safeguards e.g. mail can only be collected by a postperson whilst in the course of their delivery, but exclude the facility to flag them down whilst driving a van.

• Ensure the process is fully risk assessed for safety and compliance in line with the existing operational specification for rural areas.

• Understanding any differences between the current rural service offering and that deployed in urban areas.

• Advertise the trial in the DO catchment areas through a bespoke D2D leaflet campaign.

• Quality Measurements, colleague and customer feedback and stakeholder inputs captured.

• Review of the volumes and whether there is any impact against the postbox volumes within the trial areas, which can be ascertained against the accepting on delivery trial.

 

We have also jointly agreed that the specific success criteria for this initiative will include:

• Number of health and safety incidents involving any operational arrangements as part of this activity in urban areas.

• Review of the risks from any changes required to Safe Systems of Working (SSOW).

• Analysis on the impact on quality of service.

• Effective management of any people change implications including training.

 

The trial for Accepting Postboxable Mail on Delivery will be jointly monitored Nationally and remain under ongoing joint review as part of the Collections Joint Working Group.

 

Any queries to the content of the above please contact the Outdoor Department reference: 535. Email address: outdoorsecretary@cwu.org.

 

 

 

Yours Sincerely,

 

 

 

 

Mark Baulch

CWU Assistant Secretary Elect

RM & CWU Accepting Postboxable Mail on Urban Delivery Trial

 
 
TERMS OF REFERENCE

Accepting Postboxable Mail on Delivery Trial

 

Introduction

 

In line with Delivery Programme of Works – Annex A as contained in the Agenda for Growth, Stability and Long Term Success National Agreement between Royal Mail Group and the Communication Workers’ Union, a Collections Joint Working Group has been established to enable success in a dynamic and changing commercial environment and, in particular to address the challenge of increasing collections and delivery competition in letters and parcels. Royal Mail and the CWU share a commitment to work together to develop and deploy new work methods, equipment, processes and structures.

 

As part of the commitment above we have agreed to undertake a 2 month trial starting July 2017 whereby delivery colleagues will accept Postboxable mail handed to them by customers during the course of performing their deliveries. The offices selected for this trial are as follows:-

 

• Salford or Umston

• Rochdale

• Bexleyheath

• Purley

 

As part of this trial, there will be a detailed evaluation to determine the potential impact across a range of areas that can be assessed against the following aspects:-

 

• Safety

• Operational

• People

• Commercial

• Quality

 

This builds on the existing commitment within the 2014 Postbox Strategy agreement to retain the facility for customers in rural areas to hand letters to their delivery postmen/women and to examine the feasibility of extending this via trials to urban areas. Throughout this activity all existing national agreements, joint statements and guidelines covering Collection and Delivery arrangements will be fully adhered to.

 

Scope & Involvement

 

At the commencement of this trial nominated Royal Mail managers and CWU Divisional & Area Representatives responsible for the trial areas will be briefed by national leads from Royal Mail along with local managers and CWU representatives who will be directly involved with this trial. Following this briefing, planning activity for deployment of the trial will commence.

 

Local CWU representatives will be fully involved in all aspects of the trial, and will work together with Royal Mail to fully and meaningfully participate throughout in order to support and progress the planning and trial activity.

 

The joint objectives will be to enable the development of a mutual understanding of the initiative under consideration, its impact on the operation and individuals within each area/unit as well as to identify any emerging issues for discussion that require clarification or further work.

Initiative & Process

 

Accepting mail from customers whilst on delivery will be trialled in urban area(s) in order to understand the viability from both a commercial and operational perspective, in particular the impact on delivery operations. Key areas of activity will be:

 

• Develop a set of operating parameters for an urban area trial, including relevant safeguards e.g. mail can only be collected by a postperson whilst in the course of their delivery, but exclude the facility to flag them down whilst driving a van.

• Ensure the process is fully risk assessed for safety and compliance in line with the existing operational specification for rural areas

• Understanding any differences between the current rural service offering and that deployed in urban areas.

• Advertise the trial in the DO catchment areas through a bespoke D2D leaflet campaign.

• Quality Measurements, colleague and customer feedback and stakeholder inputs captured.

• Review of the volumes and whether there is any impact against the postbox volumes within the trial areas, which can be ascertained against the accepting on delivery trial.

 

There will be a monthly progress update to the Collections Joint Working Group.

 

Key Requirements / Enablers

 

Royal Mail and CWU jointly agree that the specific success criteria for this initiative will include:

• Number of health and safety incidents involving any operational arrangements as part of this activity in urban areas.

• Review of the risks from any changes required to Safe Systems of Working (SSOW).

• Analysis on the impact on quality of service.

• Effective management of any people change implications including training.

 

The above list is not exhaustive, will be developed further, and will form part of the monthly progress update to the Collections Joint Working Group.

 

Safety

 

Royal Mail and CWU share a joint agenda and commitment to ensure that safety is at the forefront of everyone’s thoughts and intentions at all times.  

 

As the initiative activity/planning progresses, any requirements for Risk Assessments, Safe Systems of Work (SSOW) and or Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to be reviewed as a result of the potential changes will be agreed by Royal Mail and CWU.

 

Review

 

The trial for Accepting Postboxable Mail on Delivery will be jointly monitored and remain under ongoing joint review. Any emerging issues will be resolved as part of the ongoing review with reference to existing national agreements, joint statements and guidelines where appropriate.

 

In addition the review at National and Local level and feedback on this initiative will be a regular feature of the Collections Joint Working Group, who will consider next steps. Both Royal Mail and the CWU confirm that no further changes will be made without proper notification, discussion and agreement in line with national agreements.

 

 

Signed​Anton Harding ​ Signed Mark Baulch  

​Delivery Excellence Director​Assistant Secretary (Elect)​

Date ​23rd June 2017

ToR Accepting Postboxable Mail Final

RM Group/CWU Dog Awareness Week 2017 – Mon 3 July to Sat 8 July:
To: All Branches with Postal Members 

All Regional Health and Safety Forums

All Royal Mail Group Area Health and Safety Reps
Dear Colleagues,
Royal Mail and the CWU will jointly launch the fifth annual Dog Awareness Week next Monday, which runs from Monday 3rd to Saturday 8th July 2017.
Aims of Dog Awareness Week:
The week aims to raise awareness of the issue of dog attacks on postmen and women and encourage responsible dog ownership. Royal Mail Group and the CWU are once again working jointly on the campaign.
3000 Dog Attacks on Postmen & Women A Year:
There are still around 3,000 dog attacks on postmen and women every year. Reported dog attacks have fallen by 7% over the previous year to around 2,500 but the CWU estimates that many minor incidents and attacks of approximately 500 – 1000 more go unreported and another part of the campaign is to encourage outdoor delivery members and Parcelforce members to report ALL incidents with dogs because the next time it may not be a minor incident or near thing and could be serious. It is discovered too often following serious attacks, resulting in life changing injuries that several minor incidents and near misses were not properly reported and had they done, the serious attack may have been avoided. Dog Attacks remain a major problem for the Royal Mail and Parcelforce Outdoor Workforce!
7 Postmen and Women Attacked by Dogs Every Day:
Based on the officially reported figures, seven postmen and women a day are attacked by dogs across the UK. This figure rises by 10% during the school holidays and in the summer months when parents and children are at home and family pets are allowed to roam properties and gardens without constraint or control, with front, back and side doors plus windows and side garden gates left open. We are now entering that time of the year when we see a spike in the number of dog attacks, hence the timing of Dog Awareness Week.
Research:
Research released last year as part of Royal Mail’s Dog Awareness Week found that nearly a third of UK parents who own a dog confessed that their canine has been loose in the house when an exterior door or windows were left open.
71% of Dog Attacks occur between the garden gate and front door.
In the last year, 41% of dog attacks on postal workers happened at the front door while 30% took place in the front garden or entrance to the property – 71% of Dog Attacks in total occur between the garden gate and front door. At these times, dogs are more likely to be unrestrained or unsupervised in or around the property being delivered to.
Dog & Animal Charities and Organisations Supporting Dog Awareness Week:
Royal Mail Group’s Dog Awareness Week is supported by the Communications Workers Union and a wide range of organisations and animal charities including Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Dogs Trust, Blue Cross, PDSA, RSPCA, the National Police Chief’s Council and the National Dog Wardens Association.
Police Support:
The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) are fully supporting the RMG/CWU Dog Awareness week again this year. The NPPC have been working in partnership with Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union to use the new Dangerous Dogs Legislation (which the CWU achieved through the ‘Bite-Back’ Campaign) and the ‘Postal Workers Service Level Agreement’ (SLA), signed by RMG, CWU and NPCC to improve the safety of postal workers from dog attacks. In the Autumn of 2015, the Postal Workers SLA was piloted in 5 of the biggest Police forces in England; the Metropolitan, Merseyside, South and West Yorkshire and West Midlands, to try to understand the demand and any areas of improvement. The SLA has been a positive step forward in dealing with dog attacks and the NPCC is continuing to encourage Police forces nationally to utilise the tools available to them to tackle irresponsible dog ownership; by educating where possible and prosecuting where appropriate. Working together, Royal Mail Group, the Communication Workers Union and the National Police Chiefs’ Council will be considering the rollout of the SLA nationally in England and Wales, to ensure Dog Attack incidents are dealt with consistently.
Territorial Aggression:
Dogs can be quite protective of their owners and homes. They believe they are merely defending their territory, home and family, but it’s important to recognise that this behaviour can sometimes escalate to dog bite incidents with anyone coming to a home, including postmen and women. No one should feel unsafe in the workplace and it’s important dog owners realise this and act responsibly and comply with the law, that requires them to do just that. Owners must take the necessary steps to give postmen and women respect and safety from dog attacks. Owners should encourage good behaviour when postal workers come to make deliveries. Dog owners should be spending time getting their pets familiar with visitors coming to the house and so create a safer environment for all. The overwhelming majority of dogs that CWU members come into contact with do not present any problem at all but dogs are territorial and will defend themselves, their family and their territory if they feel it is being threatened.
Postmen and women deliver to over 29 million addresses across the country, six days a week and we want them to be vigilant, assess the situation, exercise caution and certainly take no risks when delivering the mail and parcels. This dog awareness week is also a campaign during summer time when we appeal to dog owners and their families to help reduce the numbers of attacks, particularly at the door and in the garden by securing and keeping control of their dogs and acting responsibly by taking a few simple precautions.
New Dog Control Laws:
The new law provides us with a great opportunity to hold those responsible to account, tackle irresponsible dog ownership and ultimately improve the safety and confidence of Postal Workers and all members of our communities. The new dog control laws now identify and penalise chronically irresponsible dog owners. One owner was fined £8,800 after his dog injured a Postwoman as she put letters through the door. The penalties can include losing their dogs, dog ownership bans, compensation orders, big fines and even jail. Dog owners need to fully understand that their actions usually are the cause of a dog being dangerous and simple precautions can prevent the pain for everyone concerned. No matter what breed of dog is involved, the dog can present a substantial danger to postal workers. Another aim of the week is to raise awareness of the new laws and the penalties dog owners risk facing if they fail to control their animals and an attack occurs.
Dog Awareness Week Postmark:
To help promote dog safety, a special Dog Awareness Week Postmark will be applied to all stamped items from Monday 3 July 2017 to Saturday 8 July 2017.
Area Safety Reps Dog Awareness Week Activity/Task Sheet:
CWU ASR’s will be fully involved in Dog Awareness Week and attached is a 5 day Activity/Task Sheet for ASRs to follow as a guide during Dog Awareness Week. ASRs will work jointly with the local Royal Mail Safety, Heath & Environment (SHE) Manager to select some of the units in the ASR’s area with the highest number of dog attacks. Across the period of the week separate activities have been highlighted to compliment the activities sent to the unit managers. ASRs are asked to try and visit a different delivery office each day and inform the management team at that office that you will be attending to support the scheduled Dog Awareness Week activities. To assists ASRs, copies of the Manager’s Dog Awareness Week Brief and Checklist, Dog Awareness Week Newsflash, Dog Attack Risk Control Matrix and the Dog Awareness Week Posters (internal version and external version) are all attached. ASRs should now be planning out the week and contacting the appropriate RMG SHE Advisor and relevant operational Managers for the units to be visited and safety inspected as part of the Dog Awareness Week actions. Thanks for your support.
Dog Awareness Week Activities:
A wide range of other activities will also be taking place during Dog Awareness Week including:
Royal Mail postmen and women speaking about their own experiences of dog attacks to the media.

Dog Awareness posters will be in place in all Royal Mail workplaces for staff awareness raising and in Royal Mail enquiry offices giving dog owners tips on how they can help by keeping their dogs under control.

Dog wardens will be visiting a number of Delivery Offices across the country giving dog safety talks to postmen and women.

Top Ten Postcode Areas for Highest Number of Dog Attacks 2016-17
Postcode Area Number of attacks
Northern Ireland (BT) 67

Brighton (BN) ​64

Peterborough (PE) 60

Guildford (GU) ​ 58

​Sheffield (S) 51

Tonbridge (TN) 51

Medway (ME) 49

Bristol (BS) ​ 48

Leeds (LS) 46

Nottingham (NG) 43

Top Tips for Dog Owners:
Even the most friendly dog can be a danger to postal staff. Dogs are territorial by nature and if they feel they need to protect their family, they can become unpredictable.
Here are some ideas to help your postman deliver your post in safety:
Ensure your dog is out of the way before the postman or woman arrives. Secure your dog in the back garden or a closed room.

If you have a back garden, please close off the access, in case your dog could get round to the front when the postman calls.

Dog attacks can happen when you’ve opened the door to sign for or collect an item which can’t go through the letterbox. Please keep your dog in another room before answering the door and make sure children don’t open the door, as dogs can push by them and attack.

Give your dog some food or a toy to occupy them while your mail is being delivered.

Wait 10 minutes after your mail has arrived before you let your pet back into your hallway. Check outside before letting the dog out to make sure the Postman or Woman has left and the gate is shut. Keep everything as calm and low-key as possible.

If your dog likes to attack your mail consider installing a wire letter receptacle. It will protect your post, and your postman’s fingers.

If it’s not practical for you to keep your dog away from a postman delivering your mail, please consider fitting a secure mailbox on the edge of your property.

Top Tips for Postmen & Women
AVOID & STAY SAFE
AVOID:
A – Avoid interacting with all dogs

V – Value yourself; don’t put yourself at risk

O – Observe; keep your walk log up to date

I – Inform others of potential risk to stop them being attacked

D – Defend yourself if necessary, using your delivery equipment
Speak to your manager or CWU rep to find out more.
STAY SAFE:
71% of attacks happen at a customer’s door or in their garden so take no risks

Never put your fingers through a letterbox – use a posting peg

If there’s a gate to the property, rattle it and wait a few seconds to see if a dog is present. Listen and look for signs of a dog’s presence, dog bed, toys, food & water bowls

Never accept assurances – always ask owners to restrain their dogs and step away

Use your pouch or trolley as a barrier between you and a dog, if approached unexpectedly

Never tease or antagonise a dog

Report all dogs on your duty via the WRAP system and check Walk Logs

Under the revised Dangerous Dogs Act, postal workers have legal protection from dog attacks on private property

If you are attacked, we urge you to report it, even minor incidents – first to your manager and then to the police. You could help stop future attacks happening

Royal Mail Group and the CWU are committed to driving Dog Attack numbers down. We now have the law in place to do it but we need to get messages across to members;
Firstly, don’t take risks!

Secondly, don’t ignore minor incidents! – report it! It may be far worse next time!

Thirdly, support investigations and prosecutions – too many injured members refuse to support prosecutions and give evidence, leaving dog owners guilty of criminal offences to get away scot-free!  

IMPORTANT ATTACHMENTS:-
Dog Awareness Week Manager’s Material & Checklist

Stay Safe – Dog Attack Risk Control Matrix (From RMG SHE Std 2.7)

Area Safety Reps Dog Awareness Week 2017 – Activity Guide Sheet

Dog Awareness Week RM Newsflash

Dog Awareness Week Internal Poster (AVOID)

Dog Awareness Week External Poster 

Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
Email Attachments – Click to download
Attachment 1 – LTB366/17 RM Group/CWU Dog Awareness Week 2017 – Mon 3 July to Sat 8 July:

Attachment 2 – V 1.1 Dog Awareness Week Managers Materials Checklist 2017

Attachment 3 – StaySafe – Dog Attack Risk Control Matrix (Appendix 3) (v2 2)

Attachment 4 – ASR CWU Dog Work Sheet

Attachment 5 – DA_Newsflash2017 v02 2

Attachment 6 – Dog Awareness internal poster A3 v03

Attachment 7 – Dog Awareness external poster English A3 v08