Case Stories
These are some examples of the ways that UNISON Welfare is helping members and their families. To protect identities names have been changed but the quotes and other facts are based on real people we have helped.Time to recover
Catriona's difficulties began when her fixed term contract with the council came to an end and her new terms meant a reduction in hours and income including maternity pay. Her partner also became abusive following the birth of her child resulting in a further loss of income and support. Although very depressed with her situation the member sought the help of relevant agencies including her branch who were very supportive. With the help of her welfare officer Catriona applied for financial support from UNISON Welfare and a grant of £1,715 was made as a contribution towards childcare costs to assist with the transition back to work; for a washing machine and other household goods and for outstanding bills. "Catriona has started to contact the relevant agencies that will make a difference to her life and I'm sure that by helping her financially UNISON Welfare will give Catriona the break she needs to help her concentrate on getting herself well again," said her branch welfare officer.
Support in difficult moments
When Will's steward contacted UNISON Welfare for help he was on long term sick leave for work related stress and depression and not receiving any pay. He was also appealing against a decision to refuse housing and council tax benefits. However, Will also experienced a close family bereavement at this time which only added to his depression and financial pressures. Will had already been in contact with his local Citizens Advice Bureau about his money problems and we also referred him to our free debt advice service. This paved the way for UNISON Welfare to make a grant of £1,455 towards funeral costs and an outstanding energy bill. With the support of his steward and UNISON Welfare Will is beginning to feel more positive. "I never thought I would have to call on your services, but ill health can come to anyone... hopefully I will be able to return to employment in the future."
Help for a student nurse
The member a single parent and student nurse with a young child was offered a key worker flat by a housing association. She had to take up the offer of the flat immediately or lose out but her old landlord would not release her from the tenancy agreement meaning she had to pay double rent for two months.
That, and the additional costs associated with moving, put considerable strain on the household budget.
UNISON Welfare was able to help with a grant of £300 towards her final month's rent for her old tenancy.
Support when a relationship breaksdown
The member a student nurse contacted his UNISON branch following the breakdown of his relationship. The situation left him tied to a tenancy agreement the cost of which he previously shared with his partner.
Being in receipt of an NHS bursary the member had little hope of a successful application to his University for further financial support and was not eligible to claim benefits.
UNISON Welfare was able to make a grant towards living costs including food to ease his situation and also referred the member to his Citizen's Advice Bureau for money management advice.
A helping hand during troubled times
Part-time council employee Zainab's money problems developed after the birth of her second child and the break up with her partner who had gambled money set-aside for bills.
Zainab and her new son were also experiencing health problems with frequent visits to hospital. She could ill afford problems with tax credits, which she was also experiencing.
As well as a grant of £672 towards food and household bills we were able to offer a grant of £400 for a 'get well break' for the member and the children. "I did not know at the time that I really needed a break", said Zainab . "I feel so much better and a lot less stressed. My children were very happy and more relaxed."
The impact of a divorce
As well as coping with the impact of the divorce on her and her children's wellbeing, sessional worker Diane was also coping with long term health problems following a double stroke and waiting for a series of operations on a painful condition affecting her wrists and hands. One of her sons also has a disability.
All this whilst juggling further study as a mature student with part-time work made it difficult to make ends meet. Having to take long-term sick leave because of her illness only made the financial situation worse.
UNISON Welfare was able to help with a grant of £910 for food and essentials, a new fridge freezer and for children's clothing and a further grant for a much needed family holiday. "I am so happy to be able to spend some quality time with my children. We have all been through a very rough time," said Diane after making the arrangements for her break.
Taking some of the strain
Care worker, Sarah's family had been under a great deal of strain for a long time. Her husband is disabled following an accident a few year's ago and it was an extended struggle before he was finally awarded Incapacity benefit and Disability Living Allowance. Meanwhile the loss of income had made it difficult to manage and the family had incurred some debts despite their best efforts.
Sarah, herself, has a long term illness and one of her two children has special educational needs. However, it was an unjust suspension by her employer which brought her to breaking point and although she was innocent of any wrong doing Sarah wasn't looking forward to her return to work. This was when the branch stepped in and together with the Family Holiday Association we arranged a much needed wellbeing break by the seaside for Sarah and her family. "We hadn't been away for years. To see our children's faces all week and how happy they were after the time we have had was so good."
Helping the helpers
As well as looking after three children on his own, Dennis, a nurse, is supporting his wife in Ghana who was left wheelchair bound following a road accident and who also has one of their children living with her. The member broke his wrist and was not able to return to work for an extended period. Income was also reduced because he lost out on enhancements and income from shifts and a second job which he was unable to do. His financial position was also made worse by a loan he took out for his wife's treatment.
As well as being referred to our free debt advice service at Payplan for advice on managing his loan UNISON Welfare was able to make a grant of £750 towards school meals and living costs and to reduce electricity, water and telephone bill arrears. The branch welfare officer has also given a considerable amount of time and support. "UNISON has demonstrated its fullest commitment to the welfare of its members and I wish to indicate that I am proud to be a member of this caring and dynamic union", said Dennis who continues to receive the support of his branch and UNISON welfare.
