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

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

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

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

Re-Design Booklet

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

Friday 19th May 9.30am to 5.30pm

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

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