ELECTION OF NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE POSITIONS – VACANT POSITIONS (2017) – CWU Equal Opportunities Advisory Committees (Vacant Positions)
The following CWU Equality Advisory Committee positions are vacant: 
CWU Race Advisory Committee 

Postal Constituency – 1 position

CWU Lesbian and Gay Bisexual and Transgender Advisory Committee

Postal Constituency – 1 position

TFS Constituency – 2 Positions  

The NEC has agreed the election arrangements for the filling of the vacant positions for the above National Representative. Accordingly please find attached the regulations and nomination forms for these elections. 
The Timetable for the elections is as follows: 
Nominations open 31 March 2017 

Nominations close 11 April 2017 (14:00)

Despatch ballot papers 12 April 2017

Ballot closes 20 April 2017 (14:00)
Any enquiries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to the Senior Deputy General Secretary’s Department on telephone number 020 8971 7237, or email address sdgs@cwu.org.
Yours sincerely,
 
TONY KEARNS

SENIOR DEPUTY GENERAL SECRETARY
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 183/17 – Election of: CWU Equal Opportunities Advisory Committees (Vacant Positions) 2017

Regulations 2017

Nomination Forms 2017

Candidate Consent Form 2017

CWU RE-DESIGN PROJECT – NATIONAL BRIEFINGMANCHESTER 23rd MARCH 2017

 

Jane Loftus opened the meeting which began with a minute’s silence following the atrocities in London the previous day.

 

Apologies were received from Dave Ward who has recently spent some time in hospital. Best wishes were sent to him from the meeting.

 

Terry Pullinger is with Royal Mail management for talks for 3 days so was also unable to attend this briefing.

 

Sections 1 and 2:

 

Reinforcing The Case For Redesign And The Work Being Carried Out On Redesign At CWU HQ.

 

The reason behind the redesign are in part due to membership figures and finances and managing the decline of both.

 

2015 saw a loss of 5000 members while 2016 membership fell by 1500. Funding from membership subscriptions for 2016 dipped below £30 million.

 

We are losing members who are paying full time membership and saw an increase in members paying less than Plan 1. This is in part down to the part time recruitment in our core businesses and not the full-time contracts that we have historically seen.

 

Clearly this will have had a dramatic impact on our income.

 

These are factual figures and the CWU need to manage the decline in membership and the impact this is having on the reduction in our revenue.

 

The union needs to develop a model that can help deal with this and bring the trade union movement to the increasing number of self-employed workers to ensure they are also protected.

 

The pace of change in the current work force is having an impact on the trade union movement.

 

A merger with another union cannot to be ruled out by the CWU, however, our stance is that we are not open for one trade union taking over another. If a merger is to be considered it should be a joint venture – not a takeover. But to avoid a merger we need to keep moving with the times. We can’t afford to stand still. 

 

Conference 2016 outlined a broad plan for a redesign beginning at CWU HQ in Wimbledon.

 

When approaching headquarters staff, their union – the GMB, got on board with changes that needed to be made. The GMB also stepped up to agree voluntary redundancy packages. 13 people left on voluntary terms in December of last year. This has resulted in a reduction in expenditure of £600,000 per annum. 

 

Staff pension changes also needed to be negotiated with the GMB. Currently the staff pensions cost around £4million per year. The changes already made will realise a saving of £98,000 in contributions by the union.

 

Contacts with external suppliers are also being looked at to try and reduce costs. While most contracts are small, the total sum equates to a large expenditure. Already the lease of high volume print machines and photocopiers have recently been re-negotiated with the revised contracts reducing costs by around £100,000 per year while the building maintenance contract renewal has cut outgoings by £14,000 per year.

 

Currently, the CWU are what’s known as cash poor but asset rich. We have assets totalling £39-40 million which include, The Elstead Hotel in Bournemouth, Alvescot Lodge Training Centre in Oxfordshire, CWU HQ in Wimbledon and funds sitting in Branch accounts.

 

Q&A and Statements

 

Q: Can a Branch analysis on decline be done?

 

A: Research has shown that most people leave the union because they leave the business with the major employers which the CWU represent.

 

Q: Can Membership reports to go out to Regional Secretary’s?

 

A: This can be looked at as part of the review. 

 

Q: Are branches fit for purpose?

 

A: This is currently under review by Trish Lavelle e.g. looking at branches and how they operate.

 

Q: Membership database – there are major issues with employers not providing data for up to 9 weeks. Why is that?

 

A: Membership auditors have been in to HQ to check data to consider relevant issue of MAC (Membership Accreditation Certificate) which allows the CWU to use the membership data base to contact members. 

 

Q: CWU HQ (150 The Broadway) is too big and not fit for purpose. Can the space be used to generate more income?

 

A: The ground floor is already leased to an outside firm. However, there is no mortgage on HQ, the union owns it.

 

Q: Are there any plans to change release arrangements?

 

A: Facilities and release agreements are down to the industrial departments and will remain so. It is inevitable that the core businesses will be coming after facilities time. In Royal Mail this currently costs £20 million a year.

 

Q: Why are our Retired membership numbers dwindling?

 

A: Issues with recruiting retired members is in part down to the default retirement age being abolished. Also, members either go early on a VR package and don’t necessarily class themselves as retired. Alternatively, some members stay on past 65 so branches struggle to know when a member is considering retiring. 

 

 

Statement: One region has 10% no members yet another region has 24% non-members. The CWU needs to look at what works, and how it works so that we can be better organised nationally.

 

Statement: Sharing of information between departments needs to be looked at to try and stop duplication of information, and for the information we do hold to be able to be shared. 

 

Statement: CWU initial thoughts are to see HQ based on three pillars made up of the two departments for the two industrial sectors arms, with a third department dealing with all Central Services. This is what is being looked at as a model for HQ.

 

We are a membership funded and membership organised organisation. Without the members we don’t exist. 

 

Section 3:

 

Delivering A More Ambitious Recruitment and Organising Strategy

 

It has been established that we urgently need to look at what we offer as a union. This will include looking at making the union more appealing to young members, retired members and families. 

 

It’s also necessary to resource our front line to strengthen our union in an aim to gain members and make membership more appealing. 

 

Part of the debate and contributions that were made in this session, encapsulated the issues we face. 

 

There will be a priority of training and resourcing reps in the work place. The debate is about putting this strategy in place and making sure that there is a joined-up approach nationally.

 

Our current structure has been the same since 1999 when we had 300,000 members. This is no longer sustainable. We need to change our structure to model ourselves based on the membership levels and revenue streams we have now. However, the whole point of the restructure is based on a fundamental need to review if what we have now works, and how we can improve on what we have to ensure we operate as effectively as we can.

 

We must deal with what we have and the position we find a ourselves in. We have two choices, deal with the situation we find ourselves in or find ourselves in a merger.  

 

2016 was the best year in the last 5 years for recruiting new members into the CWU, but we still lost members and revenue due to the number of business-driven revisions across the core businesses in which we represent.

 

Tony Kearns closed this section of the briefing by stating that if the people present believe in the CWU and want the CWU remain in the next 10-15 yrs. then there should be nothing to fear. 

 

Section 4:

 

Desired Outcome For Redesign

 

✓ An increase in Reps on the ground.

 

✓ Succession planning for the new generation of Reps and activists.

 

✓ Achieving our aims with proportionality.

 

✓ A sustainable, affordable and more effective structure across the whole union.

 

✓ An improvement of communications skills as well as the frequency and quality of our engagement with members.

 

Section 5:

 

Next Steps

 

✓ The Project Board to agree a terms of reference document to put to the National Executive Council (NEC) from Trish Lavelle. Looking at how we engage with Branches, Regions and Reps.

 

✓ The need to analyse the makeup of branches and regions. 

 

✓ To finalise and implement pension changes at CWU HQ.

 

✓ To continue and finalise the streamlining work at CWU HQ and implement the next phase of voluntary redundancies there.

 

✓ To develop a comprehensive communications plan on our re-design for members, Reps and Branches.

 

Amanda Hill​​​​​​​Austin Goldsmith

Branch Secretary​​​​​​Letter Section Secretary

 

 

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training Courses (2-Day):

Mental Health First Aid is an educational course which teaches people how to identify, understand and help a person who may be developing a mental health issue. In the same way as we learn physical first aid, Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to recognise those crucial warning signs of mental ill health. 
Developed in Australia in 2000 and now internationally recognised in 23 countries, the MHFA course teaches people how to recognise the signs and symptoms of common mental health issues, provide help on a first aid basis and effectively guide someone towards the right support services.  
Mental ill health can affect every single one of us. There is widespread ignorance of mental ill health in the general population and there is the associated stigma too. For some the stigma can lead to delays in people seeking help and support. There is also a lack of confidence in what to do if someone is distressed or in a crisis situation. 
In any one year, approximately 1 in 4 British adults experience at least one diagnosable mental health problem.  
Mental ill health costs UK employers an estimated £26 billion, which equates to an average of over £1,000 per employee.  
By learning to recognise the signs that someone may be unwell, you may be able to provide initial help, to guide a person towards appropriate professional help, and in its most powerful form, save a life by learning basic suicide intervention skills. 
CWU Health, Safety & Environment Action
Workers have been experiencing a significant increase in stress, which in some cases has led to mental health problems, as a result of the impact of austerity on their work and home lives. Although there is greater public awareness of mental health, the number of workers affected by mental health issues is enormous. The CWU wants to teach reps and members to spot the early signs of a problem, stop it getting worse, help sufferers to recover sooner and reduce the stigma attached to mental health problems as well as identifying problems that may need to be addressed in a workplace, and measures that can be taken by employers to make a workplace ‘mentally healthy’. Trade Unions and the TUC collectively want to find ways to prevent mental health problems arising, and to work with employers to enable people with a mental health condition to continue in work.
The Health, Safety & Environment Department has worked with a number of branches and charities in CWU regions to help organise and encourage CWU reps to attend the two-day “Mental Health First Aid” training courses and these courses have now been successfully organised in a number of CWU branches, areas and regions including Northern Ireland, East, North East, North West and others.
The Health, Safety & Environment Department and NEC H,S&E Sub-Committee would like to see more CWU representatives undergoing these training courses in order to recognise and assist members in distress. Health and Safety Representatives as well as Branch and Industrial Relations Representatives are encouraged to sign-up for and attend a MHFA 2-Day Course.
Courses are organised regularly across the UK by Mental Health First Aid (England and Scotland) as well as by a number of mental health charities (‘MIND’ and ‘Rethink’ for example). Remploy, training organisations, regional TUCs and a number of Local Authorities sponsor the Courses in their catchment areas, enabling the training to be provided free or at a nominal fee price. Additionally many training organisations, companies and colleges now provide the courses. The MHFA training courses are delivered by trainers who are licensed and accredited by the MHFA Organisations.
The Health, Safety & Environment Department would encourage and recommend that enquiries are made locally to establish availability and seek volunteers from amongst representatives to attend these training courses. The Health, Safety & Environment Department is available to assist wherever required. See attached summary information about the Mental Health First Aid 2-day training course content below. Mental Health, Stress, Depression and Anxiety are at epidemic levels in the UK and the Suicide rates are a big concern. The CWU will continue to call for better support for people experiencing mental health problems to help prevent suicides and enable people to lead full and fulfilling lives with manageable conditions. However lack of support means many people are growing increasingly desperate. It needs to be made easier for people to find help without shame or stigma at work as well as at home and in the community. We also need to raise awareness generally to ensure those in distress are recognised and signposted to get professional help and support before it’s too late. 
Why do Mental Health First Aid training?
There is widespread ignorance of mental ill health in the general population and there is the associated stigma too. For some the stigma can lead to delays in people seeking help and support. There is also a lack of confidence in what to do if someone is distressed or in a crisis situation. MHFA is a response to this with the aim of improving mental health literacy throughout communities and workplaces, with the belief that mental health crises, such as suicidal and self-harming actions, can sometimes be avoided by early intervention. Mental Health First Aid graduates receive an internationally recognised certificate of achievement.
Course Aims – Spotting The Signs – Early Intervention and Support
Mental health problems cover a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression and substance abuse which can affect someone’s ability to get on with their daily life. Early intervention can help slow down or stop a mental health problem and lead to a faster recovery. However, most of us know little about mental health. We often don’t spot the signs that someone else – or ourselves – is struggling until very late. A MHFA course will teach you to recognise the early signs of a mental health problem, and give you the confidence and knowledge to help someone experiencing a mental health problem on a first aid basis, help stop someone from hurting themselves or others, help stop things from getting worse, guide those in need towards the right support and reduce the stigma of mental health problems.
The 2-Day Mental Health First Aid Training Course Overview and Description:
The Adult MHFA course is usually a 12-hour course which takes place over two full days.
The sessions will be a mix of presentations, discussions, and group work activities. MHFA accredited instructors provide a safe learning environment and are trained to support students throughout the whole course. If students don’t feel comfortable joining in certain parts, then there is no pressure to.
Due to some of the sensitive subjects of the courses, numbers are usually limited to 16 people. MHFA want everyone to feel safe and instructors can help if people find some parts particularly difficult.
Everyone who attends the course will receive a copy of the MHFA manual and workbook, which are both excellent support resources. When students have completed the course they will receive a certificate to confirm that they are a trained Mental Health First Aider.
The two day Adult MHFA course is an internationally recognised course. After taking it, participants will be able to:
Recognise the symptoms of mental health issues

Provide initial help

Guide a person towards appropriate professional help

MHFA won’t teach participants how to be a therapist, but once they have completed the two day course they will be able to say they are a Mental Health First Aider. 

MHFA licensed instructors deliver training that has been designed to fit into four manageable chunks. These are:
Mental Health First Aid, mental health, and depression

Depression (cont.) and suicidal crisis

Anxiety, personality disorders, eating disorders and self-harm

Psychosis, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

In each section students learn how to:
Spot the early signs of a mental health issue

Feel confident helping someone experiencing a mental health issue

Provide help on a first aid basis

Help prevent someone from hurting themselves or others

Help stop a mental health issue from getting worse

Help someone recover faster

Guide someone towards the right support

Reduce the stigma of mental health issues.

Conclusion
Around 6,500 people kill themselves in the UK each year and 50,000 more attempt suicide. The figures are truly shocking. And the increased numbers make the need to address the problem all the more necessary and urgent. The highest risks of suicide are among those with depression and mental health problems. There is no doubt about the message we must all take from these latest figures. Mental Health issues and in particular Suicide is a problem we all have a duty to address.
Not just shocking for every family, every friend connected with those individual tragedies. Not just for the doctors and nurses who may in some cases have been trying to help. But it should shock us all. Every Employer and every work colleague, everyone in our society. The causes are likely to be multiple and for the most part, responsibility is collective. Not singular. It’s not therefore someone else’s problem. It is our problem.
If we can move away from the simplistic idea that it’s a problem for “them” and not “us”, in recognising our collective role we might just be able to begin to make a difference and do our bit to try to turn these figures around. We can’t be sure we will bring the figures down but we have a duty to try – Every single one of us.
And that’s what we hope the Union can do and working with the employers we can do – So please consider getting reps in your Branches, Areas and Regions trained and involved and start moving mental health to an equal place at the top table of our thinking.
Mental Health problems are common especially for those suffering with severe depression or anxiety. How many people, young and old are now suffering the pain of problems of mental health? 98% of people over the age of 30, who take their own lives, have a history of mental illness.
Mental Health First Aid is exactly what it suggests, a first aid approach to mental health.
Attachment:
MHFA Training Course Leaflet

Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
Email Attachments – Click to download
Attachment 1 – LTB177/17 Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training Courses (2-Day):

Attachment 2 – MHFA 2-Day Course Leaflet

PAPYRUS” – National Charity For The Prevention of Young Suicide:

Introduction To Papyrus:
Papyrus is the national charity for the prevention of young suicide. Papyrus recognises that young people and children are among the higher risk groups in the UK when it comes to suicide. Suicide is the biggest killer of young people – male and female – under 35 in the UK with around 2,000 young people taking their own lives every year, nearly 5 a day and 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 does all it can to raise awareness and mitigate risk of suicide among the under 35s.
What They do:
Provide confidential help and advice to young people and anyone worried about a young person,

Help others to prevent young suicide by working with and training professionals,

Campaign and influence national policy

Campaigns:
Papyrus is a campaigning organisation, rooted in the experiences of its members and supporters who believe that many young suicides may be prevented. The Charity campaigns influence national policy, and empower young people to lead suicide prevention activities in their own communities and organisations.
This campaigning Charity organisation draws from the experience of many who have been touched personally by young suicide across the UK and speaks on their behalf in their campaigns, in their work and in their endeavours to save young lives. The Charity needs more people who share their aims to join them and support them to strengthen the voice of the organisation and working together young lives can be saved. Papyrus believes that with appropriate support and education, many young suicides can be prevented.
Papyrus has led a campaign for many years on reducing access to negative information online which may lead to suicide. They continue to press for the regulation of internet sites which encourage suicide or give information on suicide methods. The organization is determined to continue to press for regulation of the internet when it comes to young people and others who are vulnerable to suicide being given access to information and, indeed, material resources which can lead to their suicide.
The Charity also campaigns for the prioritisation of suicide prevention, calling for it to be properly resourced, otherwise they say it will remain as a leading cause of death in the UK. They are calling on the Government to invest more resources into better mental health support /services for young people and for those who support them as well as invest more into suicide prevention itself. Papyrus obviously has a particular focus on preventing young suicides. Stigma surrounding suicide, suicidal thinking and behaviour and suicide bereavement remains a key barrier to delivery of some of their collective aspirations.
Papyrus also plays an active part in a number of national collaboratives, working together with partners to reduce suicide numbers.
Suicide Bereavement Support:
Papyrus is a member of the suicide bereavement support partnership and brings to it experience of working with many who have been touched by a young suicide. They also work to provides opportunities for those bereaved by suicide to prevent future deaths by becoming involved in the work of the charity.
Training:
Papyrus provides a suite of training opportunities focused on awareness, prevention and intervention skills. Their awareness and prevention training includes disabling young people’s suicide plans. They offer a range of packages to schools, colleges, universities, young offender institutions, prisons, community organisations, the NHS and others. They intend to continue to deliver this training to help equip people across all walks of life with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to prevent suicide and to help keep safe many more young people at risk.
Media Reporting:
Papyrus supports sensitive media reporting of and coverage of young suicide and other suicide-related stories which may impact or influence young people. They work in a collaborative way with press and broadcast media to uphold the WHO media guidelines on reporting of suicide.
Ensuring The Voice Of The Bereaved is Heard:
Papyrus is a membership charity, many of whose members and supporters are active in suicide prevention following their own personal experience of a young suicide. Their voices being heard is at the heart of the organisation’s campaigns, their work with media and others ensures that awareness is raised, stigma is reduced and lives are saved. Through regional development work, Papyrus is able to meet with and engage people from across the community; among these, the voice of those who have been touched personally by suicide remains a key component.
Development Work in Regions and Communities:
Papyrus attracts people from across the country who are keen to get involved in the work of the charity and so the organization is developing new ways of engaging others in the work of preventing young suicides, through education and training, involvement in campaigns, listening and learning from different community leaders and working to tackle stigma across cultural and ethnic boundaries.
Medical Confidentiality:
Papyrus members have often discovered, on the death of their young family member to suicide that their doctor had information which, had it been shared with them, could have helped them to reduce risk at home for their young person. Papyrus is keen to see improved information sharing and inclusion, where possible, of family in young people’s care plans. The Charity is pressing for change with the organizations involved.
NHS Suicide Investigations:
Papyrus members report dissatisfaction with investigations following deaths of patients in the care of the NHS and Papyrus is calling for independent investigations into all patient suicides and that the standard of these is high.
HOPELineUK – Helpline:
The Charity provides confidential support and suicide intervention through their professionally staffed Helpline called “HOPELineUK” for young persons at risk and those who are worried about a young suicidal person they may know. This service provides professional advice, information and support to young people at risk of suicide and those worried about such a young person. Papyrus is committed to working directly with those who are struggling to cope with life in their formative years, as well as with those who care for and support them. Staffed by professionals trained in suicide intervention, the HOPELineUK service is open 10am-10pm daily and 2-5pm at weekends, offering practical information, advice and support through telephone, text and email to young people at risk of suicide as well as to parents, friends, families, professionals and others who are concerned about a young person they know who may be experiencing suicide ideation.
Papyrus Information & Resources:
There are a range of leaflets available for bulk purchase from Papyrus at: http://www.papyrus-uk.org/shop As Follows:-
Thinking of Ending it All? (pack of 10). Information and advice on how to deal with suicidal feelings. Pack of 10 £2

Not Just a Cry for Help (pack of 10). Advice on how to help someone you know who has tried to take their own life. Pack of 10 £2

HOPELineUK Leaflet (pack of 10) Information about the national helpline, HOPELineUK and how to get in touch. Pack of 10 £2

HOPELineUK Cards (pack of 10). Credit card sized information about the national helpline, HOPELineUK and how to get in touch. Pack of 10 £1

Coping With Exams Leaflet (pack of 10). A leaflet for young people about handling the stress and pressure associated with exams. Pack of 10 £2

Listen To Me Leaflet (pack of 10). Information about how to communicate with young people who may be struggling. Pack of 10 £2

Thinking of Ending it All – (pack of 100). Information on how to deal with suicidal feelings. Pack of 100 £10

Sample Pack of Leaflets and HOPELineUK Wallet Cards. Discounted pack with all leaflets and a display poster. £8.50

Not Just a Cry for Help – (pack of 100). Advice on how to help someone you know who has tried to take their own life. Pack of 100 £10.

Coping with Exams – (pack of 100). A leaflet for young people about handling the stress and pressure associated with exams. Pack of 100 £6

HOPELineUK leaflet – (pack of 100). Information about the national helpline HOPELineUK and how to get in touch Pack of 100 £6

Listen to Me Leaflet – (pack of 100). Information about how to communicate with young people who may be struggling. Pack of 100 £6

HOPELineUK wallet cards – (pack of 100). Credit card sized information about the national helpline HOPELineUK and how to get in touch. Pack of 100 £4

The Charity also sells a range of promotional items and has a very informative Website with lots of information available.
Papyrus Contact Details
Papyrus

67 Bewsey Street

Warrington

Cheshire WA2 7JQ

Email:pat@papyrus-uk.org 

Text: 07786 209697

Website: http://www.papyrus-uk.org

Twitter: @papyrus_tweets
Are you a young person thinking about suicide, or are you concerned about a young person?
Contact PAPYRUS HOPELineUK – Call: 0800 068 41 41
10am-10pm Weekdays

2pm-10pm Weekends

2pm-5pm Bank Holidays
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
CWU Supporting Papyrus and the National Suicide Prevention Alliance
 
Email Attachments – Click to download
Attachment 1 – LTB178/17 “PAPYRUS” – National Charity For The Prevention of Young Suicide:

Suicide by Occupation in England: 2011 to 2015 – Office For National Statistics (ONS) Report Published March 2017:

The ONS has just published research on occupational suicide. The report analyses deaths from suicide in different occupational groups for people aged 20 to 64 years, based on deaths registered in England between 2011 and 2015.
Suicide is the leading cause of death in England and the UK in adults below the age of 50 and past research shows that some occupations are at particularly high risk. This new report describes recent analysis of deaths from suicide in different occupational groups among those aged 20 to 64 years. Such analysis can inform targeted suicide prevention measures and provide a broader understanding of influences on suicide.
Therefore this report will be of interest to Union Officials throughout the Union. The new report contains quite detailed occupational breakdowns for many types of jobs and sectors both for male and female workers. It shows that there are clear links between work and the risk of suicide which makes it a significant issue for Trade Unions.
The report also demolishes a lot of stereotypes and shows that suicide is more common among low paid or manual workers. For instance, individuals working in roles as managers, directors and senior officials – the highest paid occupation group – had the lowest risk of suicide. Among corporate managers and directors the risk of suicide was more than 70% lower for both sexes. Contrasting that were low skilled, low paid workers such as male labourers, particularly those working in construction, who had a three times higher risk of suicide than the national average.
Report Main points
There were 18,998 suicides in men and women aged between 20 and 64 years between 2011 and 2015, which constitutes a rate of around 12 deaths for every 100,000 people per year; for around 7 in 10 (13,232) of these suicides, an occupation was provided at the time of death registration.

Males working in the lowest-skilled occupations had a 44% higher risk of suicide than the male national average; the risk among males in skilled trades was 35% higher.

The risk of suicide among low-skilled male labourers, particularly those working in construction roles, was 3 times higher than the male national average.

For males working in skilled trades, the highest risk was among building finishing trades; particularly, plasterers and painters and decorators had more than double the risk of suicide than the male national average.

The risk of suicide was elevated for those in culture, media and sport occupations for males (20% higher than the male average) and females (69% higher); risk was highest among those working in artistic, literary and media occupations.

For females, the risk of suicide among health professionals was 24% higher than the female national average; this is largely explained by high suicide risk among female nurses.

Male and female carers had a risk of suicide that was almost twice the national average.

Females within the teaching and education profession had a lower risk of suicide but specifically for primary and nursery schoolteachers there was evidence of an elevated risk.

Individuals working in roles as managers, directors and senior officials – the highest paid occupation group – had the lowest risk of suicide. Among corporate managers and directors the risk of suicide was more than 70% lower for both sexes.

Suicide Definition
For this report, Suicide was defined using the National Statistics definition which includes both intentional self-harm and injury or poisoning of undetermined intent, based on the coroner’s findings.
Where to go for help – The Samaritans
The report advises those struggling to cope and needing someone to talk to, to either:-
Call Samaritans on their Helpline 116 123 or

e-mail jo@samaritans.org or

visit the Samaritans Website: http://www.samaritans.org

Samaritans 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.
Contact Details For “Samaritans” England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland
Samaritans Central Office England
Central Office telephone: +44 (0)20 8394 8300 

Central Office email: admin@samaritans.org 

Central Office postal address: The Upper Mill, Kingston Road, Ewell, Surrey KT17 2AF
Samaritans in Ireland
Ireland Office telephone: +353 1 6710071 

Ireland Office email: ireland@samaritans.org 

Ireland Office postal address: 4-5 Usher’s Court, Usher’s Quay, Dublin 8
Samaritans in Scotland
Scotland Office telephone: +44 (0)131 556 7058 

Scotland Office email: scotland@samaritans.org 

Scotland Office postal address: CBC House, 24 Canning Street, Edinburgh EH3 8EG
Samaritans in Wales
Wales Office telephone: +44 (0)29 2022 2008 

Wales Office email: wales@samaritans.org 

Wales Office postal address: Floor 2, 33-35 Cathedral Road, Cardiff CF11 9HB
A Pdf file copy of the ONS Report “Suicide by Occupation in England: 2011 to 2015” is Attached
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
Email Attachments – Click to download
Attachment 1 – LTB175/17 Suicide by Occupation in England: 2011 to 2015 – Office For National Statistics (ONS) Report Published March 2017:

Attachment 2 – Suicide by occupation England 2011 to 2015

Safe & Well – March 2017

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

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

Att Safe & Well Issue 44 March 2017

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Central Office email: admin@samaritans.org 

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

ONS Suicides in the UK 2015

Mental Health First Aid Training Course Details

Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce

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

Attachment 2 – Samaritans Suicide Report 2016

Attachment 3 – ONS Suicides in the UK 2015 registrations

Attachment 4 – Mental Health First Aid Training Course

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

Attachment 1: Event