World suicide prevention day ceremony urges, "Start the conversation"

Photo by Norman Adams, ACC photographer

A moving ceremony on World Suicide Prevention Day on 10th September, at the Choose Life memorial tree in Hazelhead Park, Aberdeen, remembered all those who have lost their lives to suicide. 

Organised by Aberdeen Trades Union Council, and chaired by President, Tommy Campbell, representatives of ATUC and unions were joined by Aberdeen's Lord Provost, David Cameron, to lay wreaths in memory of those lost to suicide and to demand action to address the causes and symptoms of poor mental health.

Tommy said: "It's very important that we all work together to prevent suicide. As part of World Suicide Prevention Day we wish to create awareness that suicide is preventable and by bringing people together we can show our support for all those affected by suicide. 

"Each  of us has a positive and helpful role to play in creating a society where everyone can be  supported and able to talk about their mental health."

There were  kind words of compassion from the Lord Provost, Jonathan Christie, Aberdeen City Council GMB shop steward, Kyle Griffiths Bilfinger Offshore Workers Unite shop steward, Kate Ramsden UNISON Rep and ATUC Joint Secretary and Gordon Walters, Aberdeen City Council  Unite Branch Chair, in memory of friends and work colleagues who were lost to suicide.

STUC survey on mental ill health - please take a few minutes to complete

The STUC launched a survey on mental ill health on 7th February - #timetotalk day – a national day raising awareness about mental ill health.

 “We are all in it together: exploring our personal and collective power around mental health” –  looks at the root causes of mental ill health in work, how to challenge these, and wider societal issues around mental health. 

The survey will be open until 19^th May, so please go on and complete it and share widely.

A report of the findings will be prepared for the event in June, ahead of further campaign work on this issue.

Sarah Collins, Policy Officer said, "Trade Unions can provide a space to support people with mental ill health. They are also vital in challenging employers whose workplace cultures create mental ill health"

The STUC equalities committees are holding an event in June (details tbc) on the need to ensure trade union reps, particularly health and safety reps, are at the forefront of designing, implementing and enforcing workplace practices which eradicate mental ill health caused or exacerbated by work.  

This event will look at the findings of the survey.