Paddy Lillis – Usdaw General Secretary says: “Usdaw has long recognised that mental health is a trade union and workplace issue. Loneliness can have a negative effect on mental health and the last two years have led to many more people feeling isolated and alone. As we emerge from the Covid crisis it can be difficult to re-establish connections we have lost.
 
“Giving people the opportunity to talk about mental health, if they want to, can feel difficult. Workplace reps can listen and help signpost someone to extra support or information, which can make a big difference.
 
“Mental Health Awareness Week is an important event that reaches millions of people and highlights the link between talking about mental health, seeking support and recovery. Usdaw supports the work of mental health organisations and pays credit to every lay-rep for all they do to support our members at work.”
 
Usdaw’s ‘It’s good to talk’ campaign provides the union’s workplace reps with advice and resources to support members experiencing a common mental health problem such as depression or anxiety. For more information: www.usdaw.org.uk/Help-Advice/HealthWellbeing/Mental-Health
 
Notes for editors:
 
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest trade union with around 360,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemical industry and other trades.
 
For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion