World’s First Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit To Be Held In London

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

The UK Government through the Department of Health and Social Care has announced that the UK will host the first ever Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit in London next month, October, confirming an earlier announcement. The event coincides with ‘World Mental Health Day’.

The ministry said that the global meeting is aimed at helping countries to work together to deal with stigma and confront other issues to do with mental ill health. The summit will also look at the evidence for different treatments, and to ensure healthcare systems around the world value mental health as much as physical health.

Ministers, leading academics, policy makers and patients from more than 30 countries have been invited to attend, bringing together the world’s political leaders, innovators, experts by experience, policy makers and civil society to share the most effective and innovative approaches to mental health and psychosocial disabilities with the aim of building momentum on global mental health issues such as early intervention, public health, research, tackling stigma, and promoting access to evidence-based services.

A key objective is to agree a global declaration committing countries to political leadership on mental health, with future summits being held annually, driving global action. The summit is also expected to help countries learn from each other to find the best ways to deal with issues such as stigma, discrimination and increased rates of depression and anxiety among young people.

The Department of Health and Social Care minister also announced the launch of the Global Alliance of Champions on Mental Health – set up jointly with his Australian and Canadian counterparts. The aim of this is also to encourage political leaders to raise the profile of mental health, decrease stigma and work together more across world regions.

Around 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem at some point in their life and by 2020 the World Health Organisation estimates that mental health conditions will account for 15% of cases of disease in the world.

Mental illness is also the biggest cause of lost economic output, with an estimated cost to the global community of nearly US$2.5 trillion a year, which is expected to increase to US$6 trillion by 2030.

The Department of Health and Social Care stated that when you look at the extraordinary prevalence and impact on people’s lives, it is clear that mental illness is fast becoming one of the defining global health challenges of the 21st century. Until recently, this hasn’t had the profile it deserves on a global stage.

The Department of Health and Social Care added that it is hoped the inaugural global summit can play a central role in changing the story for millions of people around the world experiencing mental illness. This is the next step in a journey to a new level of co-operation between nations so that governments can improve people’s access to evidence-based services and bear down on stigma and other factors that are exacerbating this crisis.

The Summit will be held on Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 October 2018 in central London and will host six work streams showcasing innovations from across the globe throughout the Summit and developing consensus statements to be delivered to political leaders. The work streams are:

1 Children, young people and the now generation.

2 Caring Societies: Creating the conditions for inclusion, prevention and wellbeing.

3 A just society: supporting societal shifts, tackling stigma and discrimination, creating inclusive societies.

4 Mental health services around the world.

5 Research and the future of mental health.

6 The economics of, and investment in, mental health.

The Summit will also host the launch of the landmark Lancet Commission on Global Mental Health, and secure the agreement of a political declaration to drive international action on mental health.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

18LTB547 World’s First Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit To Be Held In London

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World Mental Health Day 2018 – 10th October 2018:

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

Introduction

10th October 2018 marks the 26th annual World Mental Health Day. In 2017 it was focused on ‘mental health at work’. The theme for 2018 is ‘Young People and Mental Health in a Changing World.’

World Mental Health Day, presented by the ‘World Federation of Mental Health’, is the annual global celebration of mental health education, awareness and advocacy. World Mental Health Day is observed on 10 October every year, with the overall objective and goal of raising awareness of mental health issues and mobilizing efforts in support of better mental health. Each of us can make a contribution to ensure that people dealing with problems concerning mental health are supported and can live better lives with dignity.

Each year we, the CWU supports this important awareness day, founded by the ‘World Federation of Mental Health’ to join people together across the world to campaign for change around mental health.

This year’s theme couldn’t come a moment too soon – mental health issues such as stress, depression and anxiety are the biggest cause of sickness absence in our society. Employers increasingly need to recognise mental health as a vital part of a healthy, productive working environment.

So this World Mental Health Day, we’re supporting the call for organisations and employers to take a look at their wellbeing strategy and take steps to improve the mental health of their workplaces and work with the Union to create healthier workplaces with sustainable policies.

During our adult lives, a large proportion of our time is spent at work. Our experience in the workplace is one of the factors determining our overall wellbeing. Employers and managers who put in place workplace initiatives to promote mental health and to support employees who have mental disorders see gains not only in the health of their employees but also in their productivity at work. A negative working environment, on the other hand, may lead to physical and mental health problems, harmful use of substances or alcohol, absenteeism and lost productivity.

Depression and anxiety are common mental disorders that have an impact on our ability to work, and to work productively. Globally, more than 300 million people suffer from depression, the leading cause of disability. More than 260 million are living with anxiety disorders. Many of these people live with both. A recent WHO-led study estimates that depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy US$ 1 trillion each year in lost productivity.

To help mark the occasion, we’re raising awareness of what can be done to ensure that people with mental health problems can live with dignity. This is not just about this one day, which is a focal point. This is very much an ongoing issue of importance. 

Young People and Mental Health in a Changing World

The WFMH in launching this year’s campaign state that for young people, the early years of adulthood are a time of life when many changes occur, for example changing schools, leaving home, and starting university or a new job. For many, these are exciting times. They can also be times of stress and apprehension however. In some cases, if not recognised and managed, these feelings can lead to mental illness. The expanding use of online technologies, while undoubtedly bringing many benefits, can also bring additional pressures, as connectivity to virtual networks at any time of the day and night grows. Many young people are also living in areas affected by humanitarian emergencies such as conflicts, natural disasters and epidemics. Young people living in situations such as these are particularly vulnerable to mental distress and illness.

Half of all mental illness begins by the age of 14, but most cases go undetected and untreated. Among young people, depression is the third leading cause. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds. Harmful use of alcohol and illicit drugs is a major issue in many countries and can lead to risky behaviours and eating disorders are also of concern. Fortunately, there is a growing recognition of the importance of helping young people build mental resilience, from the earliest ages, in order to cope with the challenges of today’s world. Evidence is growing that promoting and protecting adolescent health brings benefits not just to young people’s health, both in the short and the long-term, but also to economies and society, with healthy young adults able to make greater contributions to the workforce, their families and communities and society as a whole.

Much can be done to help build mental wellbeing from an early age to help prevent mental distress and illness among adolescents and young adults, and to manage and recover from mental illness. Prevention begins with being aware of and understanding the early warning signs and symptoms of mental illness. Parents and teachers can help build life skills of children and adolescents to help them cope with everyday challenges at home and at school. Psychosocial support can be provided in schools and other community settings and of course training for health workers to enable them to detect and manage mental health disorders can be put in place, improved or expanded.

Investment by governments and the involvement of the social, health and education sectors in comprehensive, integrated, evidence-based programmes for the mental health of young people is essential. This investment should be linked to programmes to raise awareness among adolescents and young adults of ways to look after their mental health and to help peers, parents and teachers know how to support their friends, children and students. This is the focus for this year’s World Mental Health Day.

The problem and dilemma

One in four adults and one in ten children are likely to have a mental health problem in any given year. This can have a profound impact on the lives of tens of millions of people in the UK, and can affect their ability to sustain relationships, work, or just get through the day, to sustain relationships, and to maintain work.

The stigma attached to mental health causes a damaging, albeit ill-informed, attitude to exist among some people making it more difficult for those affected to seek and pursue help.

It is estimated that only about a quarter of those people with a mental health problem in the UK receive and undergo ongoing treatment. By stark contrast, the vast majority of people affected with these problems are left grappling with mental health issues on their own, faced with a variety of issues, ranging from isolation to uncertainty, seeking help or information, and dependent or relying on the informal support of family, friends or colleagues.

How can we challenge this?

World Mental Health Day helps focus on confronting this stigma through facts. Facts that help us understand patterns of mental health problems, their causes and solutions. Facts that help us break down barriers in seeking help and support.

What is the long-term answer?

The best way to deal with a crisis is to prevent it from happening in the first place. For example, by raising awareness, providing the right information, guidance and support as well as guidance and support in childhood and adolescence, the chances of developing mental health problems can be reduced for millions of people over a lifetime. This focus on prevention is in part about what we can all do to safeguard our wellbeing, but is also about tackling the social and economic inequalities that can lead to a higher prevalence of mental health problems.

How can you help?

The World Mental Health Day message is the belief that effectively supporting people, family, friends and work colleagues, of all ages, experiencing mental health problems is on target to become one of the greatest public health challenges of our time. Stigmatising and discriminatory treatment can be particularly distressing when a person is experiencing a health crisis. We all have mental health and by failing to treat people with mental health problems with dignity we make it more difficult to ensure that everyone takes steps to safeguard their wellbeing and to seek help, as it can lead to self-stigma, low confidence, low self-esteem, withdrawal and social isolation.

Raising Awareness

The best way to deal with this stigma is through facts and a better understanding of mental health problems. From identifying the causes, pinpointing solutions, and ultimately recognizing that we are really dealing with medical issues. Please review and help spread the news about World Mental Health Day 2018. Actions that prevent mental health problems and promote mental health are an essential part of the efforts to improve the health of the UK and to reduce health inequities

Attachments:

• MHF – How To Look After Your Mental Health

• MHF – How To Manage and Reduce Stress

• MHF – How To Overcome Fear and Anxiety

• MHF – How To Support Mental Health At Work

• Green Ribbon Pin Badge Image

(Hard copies Mental Health Foundation (MHF) Booklets/Guides can be ordered singularly or in bulk from the MHF at:- https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications)

Green Ribbon Pin Badges

Order your green ribbon badges for World Mental Health Day to raise awareness and support good mental health for all. All proceeds go towards the MHF’s vital work, focused on finding and addressing the sources of mental health problems.

The green ribbon is the international symbol for ‘mental health awareness’. By wearing a green ribbon pin badge, you’ll be joining the growing movement for good mental health for all. Orders will arrive within 10 working days.

(Order at:- https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/green-ribbon-pin-badges)

The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH)The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) is the only international multidisciplinary, grassroots advocacy and education organization concerned with all aspects of mental health. It was founded in 1948 to advance, among all people and nations, the prevention of mental and emotional disorders, the proper treatment and care of those with such disorders, and the promotion of mental health. WFMH has been an NGO in consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 1963 and is in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO) and in formal association with the UN Department of Public Information (DPI). Further information from the WFMH Website at: https://wfmh.global/

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

“There is no health without mental health”

18LTB546 World Mental Health Day 2018 – 10th October 2018

1 (MHF) How to look after your mental health

1 (MHF) How to manage and reduce stress

1 (MHF) How to overcome fear and anxiety

1 (MHF) How to support mental health at work

1 Green ribbon pin badge (image)

Free Courses For Trade Union Reps on ‘Air Pollution – Southampton 28 September & Birmingham 19 October:

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

This is just a short reminder that the Hazards Campaign and Greener Jobs Alliance have asked us to circulate to Health & Safety Reps.

As you know the CWU/HQ Health, Safety & Environment Department works closely with and supports both organisations.

Please see attached LTBs 331/18 and 332/18.

Hazards Campaign and Greener Jobs Alliance are jointly organising further half day briefings on Air Pollution which are aimed at Trade Union Reps but are open to others who are interested in the event. The sessions will begin with speakers from the Greener Jobs Alliance and Hazards Campaign and will examine why air pollution is both a workplace issue and a public health one. You will find out about air pollution busting citizen science techniques and create action plans to deal with workplace exposures. It will be an opportunity to share experience, knowledge and ideas.

Hazards Campaign and Greener Jobs Alliance have delivered a number of these short courses so far, e.g., in Manchester, Leeds and London which were all well received and over-subscribed. The next two are:-

Southampton Friday 28 September 1-4pm

Birmingham Friday 19 October 1-4pm

If any Reps wish to attend please contact Janet Newsham ASAP on Tel 0161 6367558.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

18LTB545 Free Courses For Trade Union Reps on ‘Air Pollution – Southampton 28 Sept & Birmingham 19 Oct

18LTB331 Greener Jobs Alliance – Free Course For Trade Union Reps on ‘Air Pollution

18LTB332 Greener Jobs Alliance – Free Course For Trade Union Reps on ‘Air Pollution

Greener Jobs Alliance – Birmingham

Greener Jobs Alliance – Southampton

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Special General Conference “Redesign” – Saturday 3rd/Sunday 4th November 2018

Further to LTB 486/18 this is a reminder that the closing date for motions to Special General Conference “Redesign” is midnight Sunday 30th September 2018. If sending Motions by post, Branches must ensure they use a signed for service which guarantees delivery by the closing date and time. Attached are motion forms and the motion guide for submitting motions to Special General Conference “Redesign”.

Entitlements

In relation to the Special General Conference “Redesign”, all Branches are entitled to submit three motions to the Conference. Regional Committees are entitled to submit three motions to the Conference however one of the motions must be from the Regional Women’s Committee.

Following concerns raised at the Redesign National Briefings, the General Standing Orders Committee would remind Branches and Regions of the following points contained in the Guidance Notes:

p) Branches and Regions will only be entitled to submit motions to change or expand the  policies contained within the NEC papers, not to introduce new business outside the purpose for which the Conference has been called.

s) Motions must deal with the one paper only. They may, however, itemise a number of issues provided that each one contributes to the overall single objective of the motion.

t) Motions which seek to cover more than one paper will be “X” marked.

Where subjects are covered in more than one paper submitting bodies are reminded that separate motions dealing with the subject in each paper must be submitted. i.e Equality is contained in several papers, therefore should submitting bodies wish to change the recommendations on Equality contained in the Regional and National papers 2 motions would be required.

Branches & Regions are reminded that the Standing Orders Committee will not alter or amend any of the motions submitted therefore it is important that motions are checked before they are submitted. 

Please note that all correspondence must be sent by email to conferences@cwu.org and no other personal email address.

Any queries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to Angela Niven on 020 8971 7256 or by email to conferences@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Tony Kearns

Senior Deputy General Secretary

18LTB544 – Reminder CWU Special General Conference Redesign

Special Conference Motion Guide 2018

Redesign Motion-Form

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Safe & Well – September 2018

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

Please see September’s edition of Safe and Well newsletter with contributions from our USRs and field teams.

There is a continuing focus on Near Misses, an incident a USR has flagged in and was happy to share, a focus on MEWPs (both around GSP role and people demonstrating the controls and also in getting people to consider when they should be using them) and a refresh on the top level ways people can get Health and Safety info.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

18LTB542 Safe & Well – September 2018

Safe and Well Issue 62 September 2018

 

CWU History and Heritage Project

Further to LTB 300/18 regarding the preservation of the Union’s important Branch historical records and archives. A number of Branches contacted the General Secretary’s Department showing interest in lodging these documents at CWU HQ but unfortunately Branches have experienced difficulties in actually getting them there. This is understandable considering the logistics of sending what are often quite considerable amounts of documentation to Wimbledon. This has been discussed with the Research Department and it has been agreed that a different approach might be needed, therefore it may be easier if we try a Regional approach to this problem.

As such we will, during the coming weeks, be speaking to Regional Secretaries, Learning Reps and others to discuss ways of resolving this problem. It is vitally important that we preserve the records of the Union for future generations of trade unionists and those who write and study the history of working people. Once we have undertaken this consultation Branches will be informed of the outcome and how we can move this issue forward.

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be sent to gsoffice@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward

General Secretary

18LTB541 – CWU HISTORY AND HERITAGE PROJECT

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Health & Safety North Conference and Exhibition at ‘Event City’ Manchester on 9-10 October 2018. (A Free to Attend Event)

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

This ‘Free to Attend’ event was established in 2007. Health & Safety North is a combined Safety Industry Exhibition and Conference with a number of seminars on various safety subject matter of interest to Safety Managers and Trade Union Health and Safety Representatives alike. The organisers which include the British Safety Council state that the event creates a space for the health and safety community to come together to explore current issues and propose answers for the future as well as look at the latest products and innovations available to the health and safety world. Registration is free now and those registering will receive a credentials badge in the post giving quick access on the day and exclusive pre-event news. Health & Safety North 2018 has a host of brand new features aimed to provide the Health and Safety Community value from a visit to the show – all for FREE.

The event, which is co-located with Fire Safety North, which is where health and safety practitioners and communities from across the North of England come together to learn, network and procure. It also offers more than 36 hours of FREE CPD-accredited seminars, which cover topics such as Preparing for ISO45001, Managing a Fatal Accident and Dealing with an Inquest, Working At Height and Preventing Falls, Working in Confined Spaces and much more.

After ten successful years at the Bolton Arena, Health & Safety North moves to its new home at the ‘Event City’ Manchester, offering easier access for visitors, exhibitors and more.

The Registration Badge provides access to two days of professional content seminars designed specifically for the health and safety practitioner in partnership with the British Safety Council. Speakers include industry leaders and key industry influencers as they discuss, debate and confront the biggest challenges facing the Health and Safety Industry in 2018.

Fire Safety North is an independent event complete with free-to-attend CPD accredited content and major brand representation that will help fire and safety professionals achieve and maintain the very highest standards of fire safety management. Delegates can attend this event free also.

New exhibiting companies in 2018 include; Blaxtair, Amosite, Vensis, ACS Health & Safety and TUV-SUD who join a host of the UK’s leading manufacturers and suppliers exhibiting.

Conference Seminars

Conference content for Health & Safety North is selected and delivered by the British Safety Council.

Follow this link to see the programme of seminars for Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th October: http://www.healthandsafetyevents.co.uk/north-seminars

A copy of the programme of seminars is also attached to this LTB.

You can register to attend Health & Safety North for FREE at: https://registration.n200.com/survey/3d7foyth0wb4v

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

18LTB540 Health & Safety North Conference and Exhibition at ‘Event City’ Manchester on 9-10 October 2018

H&S North Conference Seminar Programme

Policy and Handling – RMPFSL Policy Forum – Thursday 20th September

Further to LTB No. 534/18 the following amendments will be debated. Copies of these amendments will be available at the Forum.

No.

Policy

Handling

5A

SUPPORT

RAY ELLIS

5B

HEAR CASE

MARCH BAULCH

7A

HEAR CASE

MARK BAULCH

 

Any enquiries regarding the content of this LTB should be addressed to the PTCS Department, quoting reference number 320 email: khawkins@cwu.org or to the Outdoor Department quoting reference 120.12: email address: outdoorsecretary@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely

Ray Ellis

Assistant Secretary

&

Mark Baulch

Assistant Secretary

18LTB537

Amendment to Recommendations 4&8

Policy and Handling – RMPFSL Policy Forum – Thursday 20th September

Please find below the proposed Policy and Handling for amendments published in LTB523/18.

 

No.

 

 

Policy

 

Handling

1

SUPPORT

R. ELLIS

2

SUPPORT

R. ELLIS

3

HEAR CASE

R. ELLIS

4

OPPOSE

R. ELLIS

5

SUPPORT

M. BAULCH

6

HEAR CASE

M. BAULCH

7

OPPOSE

M. BAULCH

8

OPPOSE

R. ELLIS

9

OPPOSE

M. BAULCH

10

SUPPORT

M. BAULCH

11

SUPPORT

M. BAULCH

12

SUPPORT

R. ELLIS

 

Any enquiries regarding the content of this LTB should be addressed to the PTCS Department, quoting reference number 320 email: khawkins@cwu.org or to the Outdoor Department quoting reference 120.12: email address: outdoorsecretary@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely

 

Ray Ellis – Assistant Secretary

Mark Baulch – Assistant Secretary

18LTB534

18LTB534 ATT

Purple Tuesday – The Retail Experience should be Purple Tuesday Every Day

If you are not a disabled person, going shopping is for most, an everyday experience that is absolutely taken for granted. However, put yourself in the shoes of a disabled person, someone who is unable for mobility or other health reasons is unable to do this; you enter a world of disadvantage and discrimination. A lot of shops pay scant regard to a disabled person needs. On Tuesday 13th November 2018 the first ‘Purple Tuesday’ will be launched. Its aim is simple – to encourage retailers to embrace accessibility and inclusivity (as put by SCOPE). So far, big retail names such as ASDA, M&S and Sainsbury’s have committed to signing up to this initiative.

The CWU believes it is past time that more respect is shown towards disabled shoppers. We agree with disability organisations when they say that every day should be a ‘Purple Tuesday’. There is no excuse for today’s retailers to treat disabled people in a way which leaves them feeling isolated, humiliated and degraded. Besides, there is clear economic sense to be disability-friendly. The Purple Pound as it is known is worth a cool £250 billion a year to retailers.

The CWU is encouraging both our DAC and Regional Equality Committees to work to promote Purple Tuesday a much as possible. We will be liaising with Coms to get a poster done that can be used by you. In addition to raising awareness of this in various workplaces this is a good opportunity for some coordinated work to be done to engage various MPs asking them to build on Purple Tuesday so that the concept of a more inclusive and accessible shopping experience is not just a one-day token calendar event. We should lobby so this becomes the norm and the disabled community can shop with dignity and respect, just like the rest of us.

Any enquiries on the content of this LTB should be addressed to dnoel@cwu.orgin the Equal Opportunities Department.

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward

General Secretary

LTB 536 – Purple Tuesday – The Retail Experience should be Purple Tuesday Every Day

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