Z-card For Instant Advice

Postal February 17 2016

Royal Mail workers are being urged to use their new pocket-sized z-card’ for help and support with any mental health issues.
The card, which has been developed jointly between the union and the company, is the latest initiative in the Time to Talk’ campaign that aims to end the stigma around these types of problems in the workplace.

CWU national health, safety and environment officer Dave Joyce said: “This small card can be easily carried in members’ top pockets and are designed specifically so that the information can be instantly obtained if such situations arise. It expands into an information sheet giving useful contacts for workers in distress, including the 24-hour telephone advice line and various important web links.”

Mental health conditions are among the primary causes of illness, both within Royal Mail Group and across UK workplaces as a whole, but they are also the least talked about conditions.

“Traditionally, people have felt discouraged from opening up about emotional problems,” explains Dave, adding: “Men in particular have too often seen mental distress as a weakness’.
“But keeping this kind of turmoil bottled up is often far worse in the long term, and it’s far, far better to talk openly and early – that’s what this campaign is all about.”

In a direct message to members, Dave said: “Please remember to carry your z-card – it can help you and your colleagues.”
Dave’s counterpart at Royal Mail is Judith Grant, the company’s head of occupational health and wellbeing, and she said: “We sent out z-cards to everyone in the business. We were really keen to support this initiative as a great opportunity to work with our unions to ensure all colleagues are aware of the support that’s available.

“It’s part of our drive to raise awareness, enable people to access support when they need it and enable people to have positive conversations about mental wellbeing at work,” she added.

If you haven’t received your z-card through the post, ask your area safety rep (ASR) or local manager.
Further information on the campaign click here