The Number 1 Water branch was extremely proud to have held a Mental Health awareness conference at the Liner hotel recently, with delegates in attendance representing a diverse section of workplaces across our region.
Mental health issues have become ever more prevalent, and is fast becoming the biggest concern amongst our workplace organisers. There is a recognition that not enough is being done within our workplaces both for the individuals affected, as well as for those representatives supporting them. We need to get employers to have dialogue with us and to recognise that behaviours in the workplace are a signpost for issues that can be solved with the correct support rather than the default of disciplinary action against our members. This conference was arranged to open debate on how we can achieve this.
The morning session was given to Jerry O’Neill from the TUC North West education department and he gave an overview of the TUC course available on Mental Health in the workplace. He gave an excellent preview of what is included on the two day course run by the TUC including what the law entails, what a good employer should be looking to achieve over and above and also what organisations can be signposted to for support. Jerry has a wealth of knowledge in this area and this was more than apparent both in his presentation and follow up materials given.
The afternoon session was made up of three sections and was opened up by Paul Thompson, senior GMB organiser within Amey, an alliance partner of United Utilities. Paul gave a talk on his own experiences within AMEY on representing members with issues and how he has engaged with the employer to force a change in thinking, something that has benefitted the membership and the company. Paul has to be given a special mention as the conference has been arranged on the back of his commitment and the way he has raised awareness.
Dan Shears, GMB National Health and Safety officer, was next up and talked about how our Union has taken these issues on board and went through the “GMB guide, Mental Health @ Work”. This guide has turned out to be the most requested publication made by the GMB. Dan discussed the importance of stress awareness assessments and how we as organisers can access the tools to map our workplaces and gain real data of the issues that are in our workplaces. He reiterated what we as a union expect from our employers in respect of their duty of care, but also, just as importantly, explained the GMB position to what can be reasonably expected from our organisers. Organisers are not health experts, but hold a position of trust and confidence for which our members recognise and will approach and potentially open up dialogue. Taking the first step is so important.
GMB reachouts Dave Flanagan then addressed and spoke about what benefits are available for those people who are no longer in employment through mental health issues. This was a welcome addition to the agenda as the issue of signposting support is a huge issue for us. Dave highlighted how the Tory government is loading the dice against anyone who is claiming benefits, but equally went on to go through how many successful challenges were being made. The key is having access to people who can guide through the system and GMB reachout can point in the right direction.
Billy Goulding, number 1 Water branch secretary thanked all delegates and speakers for attendance and contributing to such a successful day before Paul McCarthy, North West and Irish regional secretary closed the conference with an overview of how the GMB sees this issue for our membership, particularly in the current climate of austerity and attacks by this government.
Our branch would once again like to thank all delegates and speakers and the positive feedback you gave is so important to how we continue in approaching this issue.
