| 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.
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