SHEQWs Newsletter November

Wellbeing Be Mindful Campaign -
Focus on Suicide
This week we focus on suicide as part of the Wellbeing Be Mindful Campaign.
Suicide can be a taboo topic in society but we are encouraging staff to openly
discuss their own experiences of suicide.
In 2014, 6,122 suicides were registered in the UK. Most people have thought of
suicide from time to time and not all people who die by suicide have mental
health problems at the time of death. However, many people who kill themselves
do suffer with their mental health, typically to a serious degree.
Understanding suicide
Suicide is described as an act of intentionally ending your life, many people who
have had suicidal thoughts say they were so overwhelmed by negative feelings
they felt they had no other option. However, with support and treatment people
are able to allow the negative feelings to pass.
There’s no single reason why someone may try to take their own life, sometimes
suicide can occur without warning and the sad reality is that, no matter
what, some people will succumb to suicide but thankfully many suicides are
preventable.
In the courts
Water Company Subsidiary fined £26,000 for odour
A business innovation subsidiary of a UK water company have been heavily fined following odour
complaints about a composting plant in Lanarkshire.
The site had permission to turn waste into compost, but the bad smells were in breach of that
permission. The compost plant was outdoors and the turning, screening and maturation of the compost
contributed to the bad smell.
The equipment designed to treat odours was also not performing properly. Despite the good intentions
for innovation and recycling, those living near the plant were “regularly and severely impacted” by the
odours. All such plants are expected to use the best available techniques for preventing or, where that is
not practicable, for reducing odour.
Get Support!
If you are concerned about suicidal thoughts or are worried about someone’s
wellbeing, you can contact the Samaritans at any time. They will help sort
through feelings, talk through options and help find a way forward. You can also
find local support in your area to help make sure you can access care and support
where you need it, when you need it.
Page 4 | August 2016 SHEW Newslet-
SHEW Newsletter
November 2016 | Page 5