UNISON CSH - Welfare

Need Help?

Welcome to the Central Sussex Hospitals branch's website. Direct any questions or comments about this site to Mark Sargent on mark.sargent@unison-csh.org.uk

If you need help and are a member of UNISON, then you should first of all talk to your local representative. Otherwise contact the branch office. As the office is not manned on a regular basis, e-mail contact is preferred. You can also call our national helpline, UNISONdirect, on 0845 355 0845.

Lines are open from 6am to midnight on Monday to Friday and from 9 am till 4pm on Saturday. There is also a textphone number for members with hearing difficulties - 0800 0 967 968.

Welfare

We are aware of the pressures UNISON 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.

We support members in a variety of ways mainly through confidential advice and financial assistance in the form of grants. For example we can help with sorting out finances, advise on benefits or put members in touch with another organisation that can help.

Welfare advice is provided by the Central Sussex Hospitals Branch's own Welfare Officer, Marilyn Saward. All enquires are handled in complete confidence and with sensitivity.

Find out more about how Marilyn can help members by visiting the Welfare section of this site, or e-mail her on welfare@unison-csh.org.uk

Welfare Links and Contact numbers

It can be very difficult to see the wood for the trees sometimes. That's why we've collected together a wide range of useful links to help you find the right advice. From domestic violence, health and benefits to housing and consumer advice. Please note that these websites are external and UNISON is not responsible for the content.

The links are arranged into 4 categories;

Relationships and domestic violence

Benefits & consumer advice

Health

Miscellaneous

Relationships and domestic violence

www.refuge.org.uk

Offers emergency accommodation and support for women and children experiencing domestic violence

www.mensadviceline.org.uk

Advice and support for men in abusive relationships

www.elderabuse.org.uk

Action on Elder Abuse works to protect, and prevent the abuse of, vulnerable older adults.

www.hiddenhurt.co.uk

This site has been written by a survivor of domestic violence, and provides advice and information.

www.broken-rainbow.org.uk

Telephone helpline for lesbians, gay men and bisexual or transgendered people experiencing domestic violence. It's staffed by workers from these communities. 08452 604 460

www.womensaid.org.uk

Women's Aid is the national domestic violence charity that helps over 320,000 women and children every year.

www.samaritans.org.uk

24-hour confidential emotional support for anyone in a crisis. 08457 909 090

Benefits and consumer advice

www.adviceguide.org.uk

The online Citizens Advice Bureau service that provides independent advice on your rights.

www.dwp.gov.uk

Department for Work and Pensions website with useful advice on getting work, benefits and pensions.

www.rightsnet.org.uk

The welfare rights website for advice workers.

www.bbc.co.uk/consumer

The BBC's 'watchdog' website with useful consumer advice, from 'buyer guides' to financial tips.

Health

www.mind.org.uk

Mind is the leading mental health charity in England and Wales.

www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk

The loss of a baby in pregnancy can be a lonely and frightening experience, this site can provide some support.

Miscellaneous

www.shelter.org.uk

The housing and homeless charity.

www.victimsupport.org

Victim Support is the independent charity which helps people cope with the effects of crime.

www.samaritans.org.uk

Samaritans is available 24 hours a day to provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide.