Conference began with the report from the Standing orders committee report number 3, there were questions surrounding this report. One question asked about motion 121 to be referenced back as Camden and district branch weren’t happy with a previous response. The delegation voted for this and it was too close to call for or against and triggered a card vote due to more than 10% of members calling for this to happen.
This has delayed normal conference business to continue until the card vote results have been announced. While waiting for the result the housing Crisis motion is now being discussed as it is the only unfinished business from yesterday’s conference.
here are some videos that best describe the current housing crisis
There was emotional accounts of people who are affected by the housing crisis, this motion has been carried
Following this motion the following motions were discussed.
Resourcing our Branches – a UNISON priority – Carried
Developing Organising Resources in Branches and Regions – Carried
Carol Sewell UNISON Vice President welcomed all to conference and informed conference of the security arrangements for today in preparation for Jeremy Corbyns visit, Carol went on to say that Jeremy will be carrying out a question and answer session after his speech.
“Mental Health Champions” is the first Motions to be discussed, emotional accounts were given from delegates to move this motion and special mention went to the “time to change” initiative.
Our branch officers will be taking first aid mental health training as part of the “time to change” initiative you can read more by clicking on the logo here…
Julie Walker is a “Time to Change Champion” and will be taking a lead on mental health issues for our branch.
heres a short video to explain more
Heres a few facts about Mental Health that you may not be aware of
Myth: Mental health problems are very rare.
Fact: 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem in any given year.
Myth: People with mental illness aren’t able to work.
Fact: We probably all work with someone experiencing a mental health problem.
Myth: Young people just go through ups and downs as part of puberty, it’s nothing.
Fact: 1 in 10 young people will experience a mental health problem.
Myth: People with mental health illnesses are usually violent and unpredictable.
Fact: People with a mental illness are more likely to be a victim of violence.
Myth: People with mental health problems don’t experience discrimination
Fact: 9 out of 10 people with mental health problems experience stigma and discrimination.
Myth: It’s easy for young people to talk to friends about their feelings.
Fact: Nearly three in four young people fear the reactions of friends when they talk about their mental health problems.
Encourage other regions within UNISON to consider taking forward this initiative and develop similar schemes in their regions;
Seek to encourage an interest in good mental health by education and publicity, particularly in UNISON publications, e.g. ‘U’ and ‘Focus’ magazines and the UNISON website;
Work with Labour Link to draw attention to MPs and members of devolved governments the need to fund good mental health services.
Take a lead in promoting awareness of mental health issues
Develop a strategy to enable and support members with mental health issues, allowing
Them to feel valued and able to become involved with UNISON
Ensure accessibility to Mental Health Champions at conferences, training and policy days
Promote tolerance of mental health issues at UNISON events.
These motions were approved and showed the importance and commitment of mental health issues for our members.
Carol Sewell UNISON Vice President welcomed all to conference and informed conference of the security arrangements for today in preparation for Jeremy Corbyns visit, Carol went on to say that Jeremy will be carrying out a question and answer session after his speech.
