#uNDC16 UNISON must put support mechanisms in place for stewards dealing with stressful and complex situations, Lanarkshire Health’s Margo Cranmer told UNISON Conference.
Delegates backed a series of measures to explore ways in which the union can fill the gap in terms of support for officers and stewards.
Day in day out we deal with members facing issues that could mean loss of livelihood, along with mental health issues and emotional despair.
Margo spoke of her experience in supporting a member who then went missing,
“I will never be able to put into words how I felt when I was given that information”, said Margo.
“The police contacted me three times asking various questions. Had it not been for our branch chairperson I don’t know how I would have coped. She told me to call her if I needed to talke – even if it was in the middle of the night.
“The nursing director also called me offering support and called me when she received news that the member had been found safe and well.
“However, if that member had harmed himself I don’t know how I would have coped with that.”
That kind of issue can place a heavy burden on activists in terms of time in terms of the emotional effects, leading to burnout.
Conference backed the motion to explore ways in which the union can fill the gap in terms of support for officers and stewards.