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

We know that since the economic crash of 2008 there has been a four-fold increase in the number of people reporting stress depression and anxiety in the UK.

The World Health Organisation predicts that by 2030, depression will become the biggest global cause of illness.
 
Usdaw wants to support its members with mental health issues. One in four people will experience stress, depression or anxiety or other mental health issues at some point in their lives.

 
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.
 
The 2010 Equality Act (or the Disability Discrimination Act in Northern Ireland) can provide help for members and their reps. Usdaw wants its reps to help members, not by being experts on mental health, but by ensuring they are treated fairly and sympathetically. Reps can play a vital role in directing members to the relevant agencies for specialist help and support.