Retiring from work doesn’t have to mean retiring from UNISON.
Just ask Helen Forshaw, retired members officer at North West Anglia Hospitals branch.
She joined UNISON is 1999, wanting the security that being in a union brings to hospital workers. She became a rep the following year.
But upon leaving work in 2016, she was “disappointed” that she could no longer contribute as an officer or rep.
“I knew that I could still be useful in my branch. I now have the time to help with other tasks to take some of the pressure off the team. It keeps me involved.”
And involved she is — in the branch once a week to do new members letters, photocopying, update noticeboards, make up recruitment packs and any other admin tasks. She also helps with monthly recruitment stalls and campaign events as they crop up.
She’s even come up with activities for other retired members: “I organise events and tours for the UNISON retired members group in Peterborough. “We have just recently had a successful guided tour of Anglia Ruskin University.”
All in all, Helen’s had a fantastic time as retired members officer: “I find staying involved extremely rewarding.”
“I am treated as a valued member of the team. Although I can’t advise members on their issues I still have a lot knowledge of UNISON (Welfare and other benefits) and enjoy talking to members.
“So my message would be: speak to your branch secretary before retiring. Find out how you can help.”
And you don’t have to take Helen’s word for it, her branch secretary is enthusiastic too: “Helen is an amazing asset to the branch, she undertakes the tasks that I don’t have the time to do.
“ I would be lost with out her. Every branch needs a Helen.”