In this strange time I felt I must write on to you all on behalf of the Northwest Regional Welfare Committee, I hope you are all in good health and are staying safe. We are thinking of everyone during what will undoubtedly be a difficult few months ahead.
While many members are having to stay at home to protect themselves due to under lying medical conditions, or in self isolation to protect their families, this may create financial pressure due to additional expense or loss of earnings.
Many members who need our help struggle to provide for their family and pay for basic items. For others, the current Covid-19 situation is much worse. They are also worried about how they will pay their rent, mortgage or debts.
UNISON There for You, is your national charity, supporting members in times of need. We offer a unique confidential advice and support service just for UNISON Members and their dependants. Whether it’s just a chat and a listening ear, advice or more concrete help you’re seeking, we may be able to help.
At a glance, the charity offers financial assistance, debt advice, wellbeing breaks, support and sign posting information to other partners where required. They can be contacted direct on 020 7121 5620. The charity also runs two small grant programs, the School Uniform grant (June/July) and a Winter Fuel (December/February) programme, both grants are aimed at members with a family income of £18000 or less. Last year we awarded financial assistance and grants just short of £460,000 to support our members.
The service is supported by a professional and dedicated team based at UNISON Centre in London. They can be contacted direct on 020 7121 5620. The Charity, Trustees and your Branch Welfare officers are working hard to support our members at this difficult time. We are trying to keep up to date with support given by central government; not a simple task as advice is changing on a daily basis.
Should you need help, your first point of contact should be your Branch Welfare Officer, who is the local volunteer for the national charity. They will be able to assist you should you need to apply for support from There for You!
There are a number of resources available to assist you on the national website:
https://www.unison.org.uk/get-help/services-support/there-for-you/
https://unison.entitledto.co.uk/home/start
Should you find yourself with mounting debts due to the current crisis, due to loss of earnings please consider speaking to our debt management partners PayPlan on 0800 389 3302. The number should identify the caller as a unison member but please advise the agent you are with UNISON, as our members get the support free of charge.
Published on: March 31, 2020