| Welfare
- a unique confidential service by John
Stevenson
Approaching its 100 birthday in five years, UNISON Welfare
is a unique confidential service for members and their families.
UNISON is the only union with a registered charity like
this, Julie Grant, Head of Welfare told Scottish branches
on 9 April. Last year it helped 1,000 members through its
debt advice service, paid £0.5 million in grants and
financed 260 holidays with almost double that in convalescence
provision.
This means the fund needs lots of fundraising in addition
to the grants from UNISON. "Welfare is very alive in
Scotland and I am very grateful to Branch Welfare Officers
and the Scottish Welfare Committee for their work",
Julie told delegates. She outlined new Welfare strategies
including email bulletins and a revamped website along with
other services.
"Our debt advice is free from advice to advocacy and
even up to arranging bankruptcy", said Julie. And she
pointed to the new legal position in Scotland. "The
new debt arrangement scheme in Scotland means agencies acting
for people can legally require creditors to come to repayment
arrangements. The first of these was taken last week",
she said.
The reality
Turning to the 'Bucket and Spade' appeal, Julie said, "25%
of the population can't afford to get away on holiday. We
want to extend our holiday service to include applying for
grants".
These holidays will all be in the UK. That's why the appeal
is aiming to raise £150,000 and is well on the way
there. Julie turned to the reality of the help Welfare can
give to members.
After a girl alleged sexual abuse by her father, her mother
fled with her to new accommodation. They had no belongings
and no money.
"Welfare provided money for settling in, to get the
child to school and for furniture as well as advice and
assistance with debt. We are now about to send mother and
daughter on holiday", explained Julie.
As well as helping members, research shows that UNISON's
Welfare Fund is also a great recruitment tool.
headlines . top
|
