MP Skills has become a member of the Association of Mental Health First Aiders, the first and only membership body in England dedicated to supporting mental health first aiders. This association, launched by Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England, represents a significant step forward a commitment to enhancing mental health support and fostering a culture of wellbeing in the workplace and beyond.

As an active instructor member of MHFA England, MP Skills is dedicated to advancing mental health awareness and support. Inclusion in the Association of Mental Health First Aiders allows MP Skills to offer unparalleled resources and ongoing support to its mental health first aiders, ensuring they are equipped with the latest tools and knowledge to make a lasting impact.

Julie Edwards, MP Skills’ instructor member of MHFA England, said: "I have delivered the new MHFA two-day course that was launched in 2022 in house and to external customers. The big difference in the course now is that it offers ongoing support to the learners, which is extremely important for the learners to support them in their MHFAider role. Training providers that do not have MHFA instructor’s member status do not have this association, so this will set our MHFA status apart from other providers."

MP Skills’ membership provides exclusive access to:

• A comprehensive resource library with toolkits, guidance, animations, and core mental health concepts to support mental health first aiders
• A signposting database through Hub of Hope, connecting us to local and national mental health services for additional support
• Regular reminders for well-being check-ins with individuals that MHFAiders are supporting
• 24/7 text-support services through Shout, offering advice and reassurance on mental health conversations and post-conversation support
• Exclusive webinars to deepen and broaden mental health knowledge via the Online Learning Hub
• Access to the digital MHFA manual. As updates are made this manual is updated for all MHFAiders so they always have the latest version
• A monthly newsletter with updates and exclusive resources to support MHFAiders in their roles.

MP Skills’ participation in the association aligns with the new two-day MHFAider course launched by MHFA England in late 2022. This updated course provides ongoing support and reflects the latest guidance and statistics, enhancing the learning experience. Through its membership, MP Skills can deliver this streamlined, high-quality training both online and face to face, simplifying administration and ensuring consistency.

In the coming months, MP Skills will also offer the new Mental Health Awareness course to industry, broadening its training portfolio and providing even more opportunities for individuals to engage with up-to-date, relevant mental health education.

Membership of the Association of Mental Health First Aiders underscores MP Skills' dedication to continuous improvement and excellence in delivering mental health training and support. As a leader in mental health support, MP Skills say they are proud to be part of this pioneering community, working together to transform how we talk about and support mental health.

For more information about MP Skills’ mental health training courses and to learn more about its membership of the Association of Mental Health First Aiders, visit: www.mpskills.co.uk

The Stone Federation has announced its new Stone Federation president (2024-2026) as Adrian Attwood, executive director of Stone Federation member, DBR Limited. Attwood succeeds former president, Chris Kelsey.

A handover took place at the Stone Federation Members’ Event and AGM which was hosted at The Building Society in London in August. An accredited conservator with more than 30 years of experience in historic building conservation, Attwood has led restoration projects on some of the UK’s major landmarks, including the Parliamentary Estate.

He named ‘collaboration’ as the theme of his presidential term, pledging to champion the talent, skill, and expertise of those working in the stone industry. “Our strategy is to elevate the exceptional talent within our sector while nurturing the next generation of craftspeople, through the Stone Federation’s extensive network. After all, a unified voice is a powerful voice. 

"Sustainability, ethical sourcing, and carbon measurement are also top priorities for me. I’m committed to helping the Federation amplify these vital messages, promoting natural stone as a responsible and sustainable choice for both environmental wellbeing and high-quality construction," he said.

Throughout his career, Attwood has been passionate in his support for widening access to heritage crafts and was instrumental in the establishment of the QEST DBR scholarship.
He added: “Our industry is at a crossroads, facing a critical skills shortage. Now, more than ever, we need to champion the practitioners who are the backbone of our craft. My focus will be on advocating for the development and recognition of expertise within the stone industry, ensuring that we not only preserve our cultural heritage but also foster the next generation of stonemasons and technicians who will carry it forward. I look forward to using the platform that the Stone Federation presidency will give me to collaborate with people within our sector and beyond to help put craft skills in the spotlight.”

In his speech to members at the Members' Event and AGM, Adrian thanked Chris Kelsey, the outgoing president, for his steadfast commitment to the Federation and all he had done during his term of office to promote the Federation and support the membership.

Stone Federation's chief executive, Jane Buxey, welcomed Attwood and said: "I would like to thank Chris for all that he has achieved for the Federation over his time as president. From the launch of The Stone Academy to the growth and strengthening of the Interiors & Surface Materials Focus Group, Chris' legacy will be felt for many years to come. I look forward to working alongside Adrian and seeing how his expertise and passion for the industry, and in particular the promotion of the craft of stonemasonry and use of the material as a sustainable solution will benefit the Federation and our members."
 

Following the news that eight cases of artificial-stone related silicosis in the UK have been reported, the Worktop Fabricators Federation (WFF) has issued a statement for those who work in the stone industry.

The statement urges the use of correct health and safety protocols saying: "good quality factory management, water-based dust-suppression and proper monitoring of workers’ health are still absolutely de rigueur in a well-run worktop factory, immaterial of the precise material under the saw". 

It also details its concerns regarding the recent reported cases of silicosis: "to speak on the evidence in the UK: it is a source of great concern to the WFF that cases have now been identified in the UK of individuals who manifest silicosis as a result of occupationally-acquired exposure to RCS dust while fabricating stone worktops.
The detailed understanding of the causes and exposures in these cases is still in its infancy. WFF is already working with the medical experts to identify common data sets to help us all map out their occupational exposure history, and identify any learnings that could help further improve factory management."

To read the full statement, click this link.

Launched in 2020, the Worktop Fabricators Federation (WFF) is a non-profit organisation representing businesses using industrial fabrication methods to manufacture large format slabs for surfaces, made from natural stone and similar man-made materials.

The Federation's objectives and goals are to promote professionalism across the surfaces and stone masonry industries, including the promotion of good working practices and policies for health & safety in the workplace. The WFF is a unified representative voice for the fabricators on matters of industry-wide importance. Providing education, improving industry standards; nurturing collaboration between material suppliers and related markets, sharing experiences and uniting for the common benefit of the industry. A primary goal is to align our community of leading fabricators and suppliers as a membership, providing guidance to (KBB) designers and furniture installers. Delivering factual, impartial advice to all related trades and the consumer. 

Palletline London has announced its extended partnership with natural stone paving supplier, London Stone. The agreement will see Palletline London now transporting goods across the country and will offer increased fleet availability allowing for more flexibility for customers. 

Ucal McLeod, general manager of Palletline London said: “We are excited to have the opportunity of expanding the range of services we offer to London Stone. Our expansive fleet of specialised vehicles make delivering London Stone’s heavyweight goods quick, safe and simple which in turn enable us to offer both our customers and our customer’s customer a best in class service.”

Palletline London’s 750kg pallet limit means that loads can be moved safely particularly on difficult terrain such as gravel driveways which can be common on B2C deliveries as most are either left kerbside or on the driveway if access is clear. Larger deliveries will be split between multiple vehicles to ensure safety standards are maintained.

To secure the contract, Palletline has expanded the fleet of vehicles available with a double deck trailer capable of carrying 40 to 60 pallets at a time (depending on weight). This trailer also features bespoke curtains featuring a unique livery specially created specifically for the London Stone vehicles. Palletline London is also supplying dedicated drivers who collect from London Stone’s hub for delivery to customers between 11am and 3pm the next day in some cases or economy delivery for others.

“London Stone has worked with a number of delivery partners over the years however, Palletline London is one of the few who have matched our dedication to customer service,” said Gavin Walley, director of London Stone, "above all else we like to keep the customer informed of what’s going on with their order, with Palletline London we can be sure their order is safe secure and will be delivered on time and in one piece.”

The Ellwood Branch of the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain (DSWA) has organised a three-day event championing traditional crafts including dry stone walling, hedgelaying, stonemasonry, blacksmithing, printmaking, brewing and more.

Taking place in Shepley in Yorkshire, The Trad Crafts Festival will run from 30 August — 1 September and will feature various courses and demonstrations including beginners' dry stone walling workshops as well as the freehand masterclass. There will also be the continuation of a Bothy build from last year and a Devon ditch (vertical stonework backed with rammed earth) workshop by Tim Sloper, a waller from Cornwall. Tom Whitehead from Mainstone Carving will be doing stonemasonry demonstrations, too. 

Camping pitches are available and, in addition to the crafts, there will be lots of food, a bar and live music on the Friday and Saturday evenings.

The festival is run on a not-for-profit basis purely for the love of traditional crafts, by an entirely volunteer team from the Ellwood Branch of the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain. The DSWA is an organisation which promotes the craft of walling (and the preservation of walls themselves) throughout Britain and the world. The Ellwood Branch is a branch of the DSWA founded in 2019 specifically to support the professional development of young wallers.

Ellwood DSWA welcomes enquiries from potential sponsors, funders, vendors and craftspeople. More information can be found at: tradcraftsfest.com

A new paper in the BMJ's International Respiratory & Critical Care Journal has reported the first eight cases of silicosis in those who cut and finish artificial stone worktops in the UK. The review found that one patient died and others are waiting for assessment for a lung transplant.

Globally, cases of silicosis among worktop manufacturers have been reported since 2010 but this is the first time the UK has seen worktop tradespeople with the condition. The paper’s lead author, Dr Johanna Feary, honorary consultant in occupational lung disease at Royal Brompton Hospital, warns there are likely to be many more similar cases as yet unreported and is calling for greater awareness of the disease to help earlier detection.

All eight patients highlighted in the paper were seen by experts in occupational lung disease at Royal Brompton Hospital, a specialist centre for respiratory diseases and part of Guy’s and St Thomas’. All were men, with an average age of 34 years old, and at least one had only four years’ exposure before developing the disease after inhaling the dust from cutting the artificial stone worktops.

All the men worked for small companies and reported dry-cutting and polishing these worktops without adequate respiratory protection, exposing them to high amounts of silica dust.

Silicosis is an irreversible interstitial (scarring) lung disease causing progressive respiratory failure. In the UK, around 600,000 people are exposed to silica and at risk of developing silicosis. There are limited treatments available for people who develop the disease and there is no cure.

Worktops made of artificial stone – often referred to as quartz or engineered stone – have become an increasingly popular choice for domestic kitchens due to their resilience and range of colours and styles. They are made of crushed rocks, bound in resin. If, in the manufacturing process dry-cutting is carried out, this will create very fine crystalline silica dust which can be inhaled, and can cause silicosis.

Dr Feary said: “Silicosis is a devastating and deadly disease for which we have no cure. The first cases of it resulting from artificial stone manufacturing we have seen at Royal Brompton have all been in young, otherwise fit men who became very ill, very quickly.

“We anticipate there are many more people out there with this type of silicosis and we would urgently call for greater awareness of this disease, further research to determine the scale of the problem and for enforcement of regulations to try and prevent a large number of cases occurring in the UK as seen elsewhere in the world.”

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has unveiled the six projects shortlisted for the prestigious 2024 RIBA Stirling Prize, the highest accolade in UK architecture. This year's shortlist showcases a diverse array of innovative and impactful designs, reflecting a broad spectrum of architectural achievement.

The nominees are:

National Portrait Gallery, London by Jamie Fobert Architects and Purcell: This Grade I* listed building has been revitalised through a blend of contemporary design and historical preservation. The gallery now features a welcoming new entrance, a light-filled learning centre, and improved accessibility, all while preserving the building's historic elements.

Chowdhury Walk, London by Al-Jawad Pike: This project stands out as a model for affordable housing. Built on a site previously used for garages and parking, the development comprises 11 residences, including seven socially rented homes. The staggered two-story terrace, adorned with sculptural elements and integrated into a new public thoroughfare, highlights a thoughtful approach to council housing in Hackney, East London.

The Elizabeth Line, London Underground by Grimshaw, Maynard, Equation, and AtkinsRéalis: A significant infrastructure project, The Elizabeth Line enhances the passenger experience with consistent cladding, lighting, and signage across its stations. This project, expected to serve 200 million passengers annually, sets a new benchmark for inner-city transport through its sleek and accessible design.

King’s Cross Masterplan, London by Allies and Morrison and Porphyrios Associates: After 20 years of development, the King’s Cross Masterplan transforms a former industrial area into a vibrant urban centre. The project integrates restored historic buildings with new streets, squares, and facilities, creating a lively area that reconnects with the Regent’s Canal and introduces an 'urban beach' to the public realm.

Park Hill Phase 2, Sheffield by Mikhail Riches: As part of the ongoing regeneration of Europe’s largest listed building, this phase modernises the Brutalist landmark with open-plan layouts and energy-efficient improvements. The new colour palette and plantings harmonise with the original concrete, creating a balanced integration with the surrounding landscape.

Wraxall Yard, Dorset by Clementine Blakemore Architects: This project converts a dilapidated dairy farm into an inclusive rural retreat. The design emphasises accessibility, with features that cater to wheelchair users and minimise barriers. The sensitive restoration and clever landscaping enhance both functionality and engagement with the natural environment.

Announcing the shortlist, RIBA president Muyiwa Oki said: “These projects demonstrate the ingenuity and diversity of architecture today. From major infrastructure to innovative social housing, each scheme thoughtfully adapts elements of our existing built environment, transforming landmarks into highly sustainable places for future generations.”

The winner of the 2024 RIBA Stirling Prize will be announced on 16 October 2024, at a ceremony at London’s Roundhouse.

Historic England has released its latest guidelines entitled, Adapting Historic Buildings for Energy and Carbon Efficiency. The document, which can be viewed and downloaded from the organisation's website is aimed at those in the industry including local planning authorities, heritage consultants and those involved in the planning process. However, Historic England also believe it will also be useful to building owners and occupiers.  

• Advice on advice on what permissions, such as listed building consent, are needed for some of the common changes required to decarbonise and improve the energy efficiency of historic buildings 
• Advice to assist local planning authorities – and other parties involved in the planning process – in determining proposals to decarbonise and improve the energy efficiency of historic buildings to enable positive climate action. Some typical building adaptations in response to climate change impacts are also included 
• Signposting to other relevant information, advice, and guidance. 

It also features seven case studies including: Beckets Chapel; Chester Cathedral and The Herman Miller Factory.

The organisation has also updated its technical guidance with links to detailed technical advice on climate change mitigation and adaptation for resilience, including energy efficiency, retrofit, and Net Zero.

For more information and to download, visit Historic England's website.