LTB 543/17 – Royal Mail Group – “Because Healthy Minds Matter” – Mental Health e-Learning Programme:
No. 543/2017
10 October 2017
Our Ref: P26/17
Royal Mail Group – “Because Healthy Minds Matter” – Mental Health e-Learning Programme:
To: All Royal Mail Group CWU Area Health & Safety Reps
All Branches & Regional Health & Safety Forums
Dear Colleagues,
As reported in LTB No. 533/2017, issued on 6 October 2017, the Royal Mail Group Safety, Health, Environment and Wellbeing Group has developed a new Mental Health e-Learning Programme for managers entitled “Because Healthy Minds Matter”. This is part of the new Royal Mail Group 5-Year Mental Health Strategy, October activities and is being launched to coincide with World Mental Health Day 10th October 2017.
It has been agreed that the e-learning module will be available for CWU Area Health and Safety Reps and other Reps to access and complete. It’s a basic introductory, on line, short learning module which can be followed up by ‘Mental Health First Aid Training’ which the Health, Safety & Environment Department has been promoting strongly and recommending to all CWU Reps since its launch in the UK by the Department of Health: National Institute of Mental Health in England (NIMHE) as part of a national approach to improving public mental health.
“Because Healthy Minds Matter” e-learning Summary
The e-learning begins with the Royal Mail commitment to effective support and signposting for mental health conditions and points out that people in all walks of life can be affected directly or indirectly and at any point in their lives.
The aim of the module is to raise awareness of mental health and ensure that managers can respond appropriately and signpost employees in their team to appropriate support if they are in distress. The importance in giving time to the subject is emphasised.
There is a mental health compass to help navigate your way to supporting employees.
Then follows a video clip of RMG Director Safety, Health, Environment, Wellbeing and Sustainability Dr. Shaun Davis who explains Royal Mail’s response to Mental Health and he introduced the acronym “ACT”:-
A – Acknowledge: If you or someone else close to you isn’t their usual self.
C – Communicate: If you’re not feeling ok speak to someone about it. If you’re worried about someone else ask them if they’re ok and encourage them to talk.
T – Take Action: Find out what support is available and encourage others to do the same. Act and things can start to get better.
Top Tip – Ask Colleagues How Are You Today? – Follow Up with ‘ACT’.
How can I help my colleagues? -Remember ACT now
There are some facts provided as follows – Did You Know:-
1 in 4 People will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime.
70% of employees don’t feel able to speak candidly about mental health concerns.
76% of suicides are by men and suicide is the most common cause of death in men under 45.
Next section is on learning how to recognise the signs that somebody might be experiencing mental health issues.
During a lifetime it is usual to feel the full spectrum of human emotions, life with all its changes and challenges can be difficult for us all at times. However when we become affected or overwhelmed by feelings or a situation for a prolonged period we can start to show signs of becoming mentally unwell. The sooner we can get support and treatment if appropriate the better.
Mental health conditions are covered next. There are a number of Mental Health conditions and most of us will experience at least one of these at some point in our lives. Health is important and that includes not only our physical but our mental health.
Managers are advised that as they know and engages with their staff, they will be aware of changes in team members and for some people:-
Mental health symptoms will fade in a short time and for others they will develop into more serious mental health conditions.
There is no set timescale when you may want to ‘check in’ with someone as we are all unique however if in doubt always ask ‘How are you?’ It is better to ask and offer support than wait.
Follow the 3 simple steps that you can take that could help to start making things better; Time to Think, What to Say and Things not to say and What to do in a crisis?
For individuals the advice is – ‘Don’t suffer in silence’
Suicidal Feelings and What to do in an emergency are covered next.
If you’re worried that someone is at immediate risk of taking their own life, you should stay with that person and take one of the following steps:
Internal Resources is the final section:-
Feeling First Class – www.feelingfirstclass.co.uk is a wellbeing website for employees (FFC1 to register). Contains proactive health advice and Online Stress Tool.
First Class Support – 24/7 free and confidential phone line (0800 6888777) and website www.rmgfirstclasssupport.co.uk, providing
Feeling First Class – Stress – Access to stress guidance and the ‘Guided Conversation for Stress’ on how to support an employee experiencing distress.
First Class Mental Health – Useful information to support the wellbeing of colleagues including, Mental Health Support Guide: Suicide; five Mental Health Foundation videos; information on the ‘Time to Change’ pledge and links to helpful websites. There is also a link to Success Factors for managers to book onto a one day Mental Health Awareness course.
First Class Fitness – A link to the RMG gyms website – http://royalmailfitness.co.uk
First Class Lifestyle – Links to useful websites and downloadable PDFs on health topics such as smoking, diet and alcohol.
Wellbeing Communications – Occupational Health guidance documents can be accessed from the toolkit and PSP.
RMG’s in house charity, the Rowland Hill Fund also provides support.
Resources from RMG’s charity partners MIND.
ATTENTION -ASRs attending the National Joint Royal Mail Group/CWU event at the Phoenix Centre on 16th October:
All ASRs attending the National Joint Royal Mail Group/CWU event at the Phoenix Centre on 16th October are requested to complete the “Because Healthy Minds Matter” e-learning before attending in order to give feedback and comments in a session that will take place during the event to discuss the learning.
To access the “Because Healthy Minds Matter” e-learning follow this link:-https://spark.adobe.com/page/efxsW3rL2MaUS/
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
17LTB543 Royal Mail Group – Because Healthy Minds Matter – Mental Health e-Learning Programme