Troubling times

A seemingly constant stream of bad news can be hard to avoid, and can have a negative impact on mental health, which is why the theme for today’s (October 10) World Mental Health Day 2025 is “Access to services”.

The Mental Health Foundation says “This year’s theme is ‘access to services – mental health in catastrophes and emergencies’. The theme highlights the importance of people being able to protect their mental health in times of global instability.”

“Constantly hearing about negative news from around the world can feel like a lot to take in – and that’s because it is. Feeling overwhelmed by current events, no matter how big or small, can take a toll on our mental health. 

In the digital age, managing how much information we take on board might feel impossible. But you can take control and the impact of global overwhelm on your well-being.”

To help support members, Unite is encouraging them to get involved with the United Minds Campaign.

Unite reps themselves are facing increasing additional pressures and will benefit from the union’s mental health support programme for reps. They will also require more support in negotiating mental health and stress support programmes in the workplace.

The United Minds Campaign website is packed full of resources to help reps and members. As well as a campaign guide, and the Unite Mental Health Guide for Reps and Negotiators there is a stress at work survey and a model facilities agreement.

Rob Miguel. National Health and Safety Advisor, Unite the Union said; “It is good to see that World Mental Health Day this year recognising the huge negative impact that work can have on people’s mental health.”

“I would encourage all Unite reps to visit the United Minds campaign page and get involved in supporting colleagues.”

“The page is full of tools and materials to assist reps in negotiating better management processes around mental health and stress issues in the workplace.”

The United Minds Campaign wants change, and is calling the government and employers to play their part. This includes calls for new legislation around workplace stress and psychosocial risk, codes of practice to ensure employer assistance and support programmes for mental health are consistent and of high quality and to ensure that work related suicides to be reportable to HSE under Riddor. 

United Minds also wants employers to ensure workplace stress risk assessments and consideration of psychosocial hazards are undertaken, and that their mental health support programmes are fit for purpose.

Unite Education runs highly popular and practical “Mental Health Awareness” courses across the regions, with more details available on the Unite Education website.

Unite has also produced, and recently updated, a very useful Mental Health Guide for reps and negotiators, which is a guide for shop stewards/workplace reps that provides an overview of mental health issues at work; how to support members and negotiate with employers.

To find out more, access the resources and download the posters go to the United Minds Campaign website. 

By Keith Hatch