A joint initiative is being taking forward by The Scottish Trade Union Congress (STUC), Scottish Development Centre for Mental Health (SDC) and The Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives (SCHWL) with support from The Scottish Government to raise awareness of the benefits of healthy inclusive workplaces in relation to overall mental health and to improve support for workers with mental health issues in workplaces. The project will also seek to explore channels where trade unions can offer more practical and sensitive support.
The year long pilot project will look specifically at raising awareness in 5 workplaces with trade unions and management building internally to provide sustainable outcomes. The project will include an introductory planning session and two follow up training sessions in each workplace.
Initially advisers will discuss the following criteria within workplaces with union reps, workers, managers and directors:
- Communication systems
- Meaningful consultation within the organisation
- Staff involvement and participation
- Respect and value for staff
- The working atmosphere
- Support systems
- Networks of support for individuals
- Training for reps and managers
- Health and safety practice
- Sickness and absence
Promoting positive mental health in workplaces
Timescales and Action plans
Steering group including representatives from Scottish Government, Department of Work and Pensions, STUC, SDC and SCHWL set up for end of OCT 2008. Five workplaces selected and initial meetings with managers and unions by end of OCT 2008 Planning group meeting in each workplace should take place before end of November 2008. The Planning group session will inform the design of the workplace training in each workplace. Union rep training session to be delivered before end of 2008 Two workplace training seminars throughout the project year
Benefits Free training for union reps and managers Free support and advice for union reps and managers A support network within your workplace An internal best practice vehicle to offer support to your staff Business benefits of a healthier and more supportive workplace
For more information please contact: Terry Anderson STUC Union and Community Development Officer on 07791 704 682 or at tanderson@stuc.org.uk
Pippa Coutts SDC Head of Operations on 0131 555 5959 or at Pippa@sdcmh.org.uk
Nina Torbett SCHWL Development Manager Health Promotion on 01698 208 195 or at nina.torbett@health.scot.nhs.uk