News

Branch walking group launched

The first Branch Walking Group took place on Wednesday 28th July. The Walk, organised by Branch stalwarts Linda Clarke and Dave Sherry, was a great success with eleven people enjoying a great walk, great crack and ...... it didn't rain (well, not much) and the pub at the end was good too!

The walk route consisted of a circuit round Milngavie and Craigton, starting and finishing along part of the West Highland Way.

************************

Accessing Benefits Support

Trying to manage your finances when you are feeling stressed is hard and the benefits system can be like a navigating a maze where the route changes at every corner turned.
Our welfare system isn’t fit for purpose and it makes me angry to see people struggling. That’s why I have asked Unite Community to put together this guide. I want this to be a starting point so you have a good idea of where you can get help and financial support for as many things as possible.

Click here for the guide

Steve Turner
Unite Assistant General Secretary
with responsibility for Unite Community

************************

Scottish Pensioners' Forum

The Branch is affiliated to Scottish Pensioners' Forum (SPF) and would encourage members to join this worthwhile organisation as an individual member - it only costs £5 a year for pensioners.
The Scottish Pensioners’ Forum was set up in 1992 as an umbrella organisation for groups and individuals working and campaigning for a better deal for older people.
The Forum was initiated by the STUC Pensioners Committee as a "national" body, to allow pensioners to speak on behalf of pensioners and was set up after discussion with bodies such as Help the Aged, Age Concern and the Scottish Old Age Pensions Association (now Scottish Pensions Association).
Membership details here: http://www.scottishpensioners.org.uk/memberships

A copy of the SPF paper on a national care service can be downloaded here and a copy of the report on Covid-19 and older workers' safety downloaded here

Branch elects new Treasurer

Following the sad death of Maureen Gardner, the Branch has elected a new Treasurer. She is Linda Clarke. Prior to her retiral, Linda was employed in the NHS and was a member of Unite's NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Branch.

Facebook Discussion Group

Following discussion at the Branch, a Facebook discussion group has been set up. As it is a closed group, you will need to ask to be approved. Only approved members can see posts etc.
Branch members can join at:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/unitermbg/
If you click on the above link, it will open in your usual browser. If you are not already logged into Facebook on that browser, you will need to log-in (if you are not already on Facebook, you will need to join, if you wish to participate in the discussion group).
There are a few, common sense rules that you need to observe when using the discussion group, but they can be summarised as 'Be Nice'.

Glasgow Educational & Marshall Trust

If you who have younger relatives and friends from Glasgow seeking to return to education, the Glasgow Educational & Marshall Trust provides funding for the people of Glasgow to advance their academic or vocational qualifications - whatever age or stage.
The Trust gives grants to people who have lived in Glasgow for over 5 years to assist with furthering their education.
Amounts awarded range between £100 and £1250. We give around 60 grants every year to the value of about £50,000.
The Trust has been established for over 75 years and is in fact an amalgamation of a number of local Educational Charities.
The funds that the Trust distributes are solely from an investment fund that has been built up over generations.
The Trust has a board of 22 governors drawn from educational institutes, the churches, Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Trade Union Council, The Trades House of Glasgow, The Merchants House of Glasgow.
Further information from: https://www.gemt.org.uk/