City of Stoke On Trent Branch  - Welfare FAQ's

A unique service providing support exclusively for Unison members and dependants at times of special need.

Unison Welfare is Unison's registered charity. We are aware of the pressure members face on a daily basis and can provide support at times of unforeseen financial hardship or personal difficulty such as redundancy, bereavement, illness or relationship breakdown.

Support is offered in a variety of ways and includes confidential advice and financial assistance in the form of grants. A grant could be made for example to help with household bills, ease debts or help with the cost of a much needed break for you and our family.


Registered Charity No 1023552

Did You Know..............
In 2003 we made grants to 1600 members and their families. One thousand members contacted us for debt advice and support

The overall amount we give in grants each year has doubled to over £1/2 million since we introduced family holidays.  We can often respond to more than one need facing families. For example, we might provide a grant to pay urgent bills or for children's clothes as well as arrange a holiday.

In Debt?

Don't know where to turn?

wondering how to break the vicious circle without getting charged more?

Unison Welfare's free and confidential debt advice referral service can help

 


What is available at branch level?

In times of illness periods of convalescence can be arranged prior to a return to work. There is a charge for this service but assistance can be made with the fees in case of financial hardship.

Long term sickness - card and either flowers or gift voucher from Branch and introductory letter from Welfare Secretary encouraging members to contact her if assistance is required.

Bereavement - bereavement letter, condolence card, donation or flowers for working members and retired members.

Short term crisis loans direct from Branch or more comprehensive assistance from the National Welfare Committee.

Confidential advice/assistance to members and their dependants in times of crisis such as illness, bereavement and financial hardship.

It is important to notify me, Anne Crawford,  on 01782 236986 or mobile 07785 902626 if you are aware of any member who is in need of assistance. People often feel isolated - a get well card or letter of support means a lot to someone.


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In Debt?

Many people fall into debt at some point in their lives. Sometimes all it takes is a small change in circumstances to tip the balance and turn a manageable situation into a debt problem. At UNISON Welfare, we are used to dealing with members who are struggling to cope with the stress and worry of debt.  Through our partners at Payplan we can provide you with free and impartial advice to help clear your debts.

With Payplan you get:
  • Reduction of multiple debts to a single payment
  • Choice of payment methods including PayPoint cash option
  • An assigned case officer to call for advice throughout the repayment programme.
  • Supported self-help if you prefer.
  • A completely free service - no hidden charges. 

Payplan is paid for by the credit industry so every penny of your repayments goes towards your debts unlike some debt management companies who charge a fee.

I want help to clear my debts. What do I do next?

Contact your Welfare Secretary who will help you to complete an application form for assistance form.

Alternatively, if you prefer to speak to one of our caseworkers first, you can contact us directly on Freephone 0800 389 3302 8am-9pm Monday - Friday and 9 am - 1pm on Saturdays. One of our caseworkers at national office will assess your application and, with your agreement, pass your details to a trained money adviser at Payplan who will contact you directly. They will need to ask you questions to help gain an understanding of your financial situation and to recommend a course of action to address your debt problem.


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Contact Details for other organisations who may be able to help.

Name

Telephone Number

North Staffs Carers Association 01782 834836
Age Concern 01782 286209
Alzheimers Disease Society Mon - Fri 8.30 am - 6.30 pm 0845 300 0336
Benefits (filling in forms) Advice 0800 441144
Benefits Enquiry Line - For People with Disabilities (Mon - Fri 8.30 am - 6.30 pm) (Sat 9.00 am - 1.00 pm)  0800 882200
Bereavement Care 01782 683155
Cancer Information Service Mon - Fri 9.00 am - 7.00 pm 0808 800 1234
CAB Hanley 01782 219427
CAB Newcastle 0870 1264049
Crossroads Care Scheme 01782 683141
Disability Solutions - Benefits advice and Equipment Information Service 01782 683100
Healthline - for any health information 01782 410011
MIND North Staffs 01782 262100
Respite Beds - frail elderly  01782 425863
Voluntary Action (formerly Stoke CVS) 01782 683030

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