In an inspiring move that marks a significant milestone in the journey towards inclusivity and equality, UNISON has declared 2024 as the Year of LGBT+. This declaration is not just a statement; it is a testament to the unwavering commitment of UNISON to champion the rights, recognition, and respect of LGBT+ individuals across all sectors. Among the numerous branches and sectors taking a stand for this cause, the Scottish Ambulance Branch stands out as a beacon of progress and inclusivity.

UNISON's Commitment to LGBT+ Rights

UNISON, the UK's largest public service union, has long been at the forefront of advocating for equality and rights for all its members, including those from the LGBT+ community. By dedicating 2024 as the Year of LGBT+, UNISON is reinforcing its commitment to creating workplaces and communities that are safe, welcoming, and inclusive for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

This year-long celebration includes a series of initiatives, events, and campaigns designed to educate, raise awareness, and foster an environment of inclusivity. Through workshops, seminars, and collaboration with LGBT+ organizations, UNISON aims to address key issues facing the community, such as discrimination, health disparities, and the need for greater representation in all levels of decision-making.

The Scottish Ambulance Branch: Leading by Example

The Scottish Ambulance Branch, an integral part of UNISON, is setting a remarkable example of how inclusivity can be seamlessly integrated into the fabric of public services. Recognizing the unique challenges and healthcare needs of LGBT+ individuals, the branch has implemented comprehensive training for its staff. This training ensures that all employees are equipped with the knowledge and sensitivity required to provide care that is not only professional but also empathetic and respectful of each patient's identity.

Furthermore, the Scottish Ambulance Branch has established a supportive network for its LGBT+ employees, offering a platform for sharing experiences, addressing concerns, and fostering a sense of belonging and community. This initiative reflects the branch's holistic approach to inclusivity, focusing on both the service it provides and the well-being of its workforce.

A Year of Celebration and Beyond

The declaration of 2024 as the Year of LGBT+ by UNISON, with the active participation of the Scottish Ambulance Branch, is a call to action for other organizations and the wider community. It is an invitation to join hands in celebrating diversity, promoting equality, and building a society where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, is valued and respected.

As we move through the year, let us all be inspired by the efforts of UNISON and the Scottish Ambulance Branch. Let us participate in the events, educate ourselves and others, and contribute to making our workplaces, communities, and society more inclusive. The Year of LGBT+ is not just a milestone; it is a step towards a future where equality and love triumph over discrimination and prejudice.

In conclusion, 2024 promises to be a year of significant progress, celebration, and hope. As UNISON leads the way with its dedicated Year of LGBT+, supported by the exemplary efforts of the Scottish Ambulance Branch, we are reminded of the power of unity and the importance of inclusivity. Together, we can create a world where everyone is free to be themselves, celebrated for their uniqueness, and supported in their rights to equality and respect.

MORE INFO

All members are invited to attend the UNISON Scottish Ambulance Service Branch AGM which will be held at 10:00 am for 10:30 am on Friday 16 February 2024 at UNISON House, 14 West Campbell Street, Glasgow, G2 6RX

Due to the importance of this meeting we would urge all members of the Branch to make every effort to attend. Looking forward to meeting old and new faces on the day.

Exciting Educational Opportunity Alert! 

UNISON College and The Open University are thrilled to announce a pioneering collaboration! For the first time, we’re offering our members exclusive access to university-level Microcredential courses and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Short Courses.

The Open University have collaborated to provide members with access to university-level Microcredential courses, and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Short Courses.

Why This Matters?
These courses are specially designed for those either making a return to education or looking to continue their learning journey. Thanks to The Open University’s flexible approach, these opportunities are perfect for accommodating diverse learning styles, backgrounds, and the varied schedules of our members.

What’s in It for You?
This collaboration is your gateway to explore university-level education and professional short courses that promise to enhance your skills, knowledge, and career development. It’s an exceptional chance to invest in yourself and your future!

Mark Your Calendars!
The courses will be available across 2024 in March, July, October, and December. But hurry, the first application deadline is fast approaching on 9th February!

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to elevate your educational and professional journey with us.

For more information and to apply, here are the links. Microcredential courses, and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Short Courses.

Let’s embrace this journey of learning and growth together. See you in class!

Worried about your winter fuel bill? There for You has a limited fund to offer one-off £200 grants to UNISON members on a low income.

Applications will open twice on Wednesday 24 January, at 8.30am and 5pm. The online form will appear here when it opens. Recent grant applications have been extremely popular and closed within a matter of minutes, so please do check the eligibility criteria below, ensure you have your UNISON membership number to hand and consider setting a reminder if you wish to apply.

Applicants must:

• Be a UNISON member and have paid at least four weeks’ subscriptions as of 24 January. Subscriptions must be up to date.
• Not have an outstanding application for the recent Energy Support Fund grant.
• Not have been issued with a successful decision for the recent Energy Support Fund grant.
• Not have received a grant from UNISON Welfare since 24 July
  2023, excluding the School Uniform Grant.
• Have savings (including the total rolling balance on current accounts) below £1,000 to qualify.
• Be responsible (or their partner, if applicable) for household fuel bills. Only one application per household will be considered.

And EITHER:

Be on a low income, meaning a net household income* of no more than £26,000/year (£2,166.67/month)

* Net household income includes your monthly take-home pay from work (plus your partner’s if applicable), any income from child maintenance payments, any income from student finance loans or bursaries, pensions (excluding Pension Credit) and any income from people living with you (e.g. adult children or lodgers).

OR:

Be in receipt of means-tested benefits. This includes:

• Universal Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Child and/or Working Tax Credits
• Pension Credit
• Means-tested Jobseekers Allowance
• Means-tested Employment Support Allowance
• Income Support

Where members have no recourse to public funds and their household income is above £26,000/year an assessment will be undertaken to see whether they would be eligible for benefits if they did have recourse to public funds so that they are not disadvantaged.

What can I get help with?

We can help with a one-off, non-repayable grant of £200. We want to make this fund go as far as possible and help as many members as we can. Please only apply if you are in financial difficulty. We have limited funds for the Winter Fuel Grant programme.

What if I don’t know my membership number?

We cannot accept applications without a membership number. This can often be found at the bottom of any emails you have received from UNISON.

Alternatively, please contact UNISONdirect on 0800 0 857 857.

How will you contact me?

Acknowledgement

Successful online submissions will receive an automated message confirming your application has been received. If this doesn’t show in your ‘inbox’, please check your ‘junk/spam’ folders.

Processing time

You should not expect to receive an immediate decision. It could take up to 8 weeks before you hear from us. We will require further evidence to support your application and we will be in touch via email to request this. Please do not send chasing emails as we will be unable to respond.

If I have recently received a grant, can I apply?

If you have received a grant from There for You since 24 July 2023, excluding the School Uniform Grant, you will not be eligible to apply for a Winter Fuel Grant. If you applied for the recent Energy Support Fund and we requested documents from you, please do not apply for this Winter Fuel Grant.

How do I apply?

All applications should be made online. Please make sure you have your membership number to hand. If you are unable to complete the application online due to an accessibility issue, please contact us on 24 January, either by email: wfg@unison.co.uk or by calling UNISONdirect on 0800 0 857 857.

The grant will open on Wednesday 24 January at 8.30am and at 5pm.

Any questions?

Contact us via email: wfg@unison.co.uk