Usdaw takes both the physical and mental wellbeing of its members very seriously.

Usdaw wants to support its members with mental health issues and has recently launched new resources to support Reps who want to campaign in their workplace around the issue of mental health. Mental health problems are on the rise and lots of our Reps and officials are supporting members with anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions.

The new campaign materials have the theme It's Good To Talk and are designed to help reps open up conversations with colleagues and reduce the stigma of talking about mental health.

For too long mental health has been a taboo subject and individuals were often, and unfairly, blamed for their condition. The shame and secrecy around mental health can have devastating consequences. Usdaw wants to change that while accepting that it is a complex and sensitive area.

 
Members with mental health problems may well have rights to additional support at work under the Equality Act – but these rights are often poorly understood by managers leading to members not getting the support they need.

One in four of us will have a mental health problem at some point in our lives and that makes anxiety and depression an important issue for all unions.

If you're struggling with your mental health, your Rep will be able to provide advice and support. We also have a wealth of materials available to help you get the support you need below.
 
Rightsteps Wellbeing

The Rightsteps Wellbeing Platform is a digital hub that offers a range of content, providing Reps and Members with the tools to take care of their own mental health and wellbeing. Support is divided into three levels:

• Find Out More content: Information and advice about a wide range of health and wellbeing topics.
• Bitesize content: enables you to implement quick changes to tackle issues, including problem drinking; smoking; giving up drugs; low mood; social anxiety; generalised anxiety; stress at work; and sleep problems.
• Wellbeing Sessions: self-guided support delivered through individual sessions (typically 6-8) that enables you to work through the materials at a your own pace.

To gain access to the platform please click here to register