UNISON Ulearn Northern Ireland

I’ve been working in the Mater for the past thirteen years, after having coming in originally as a typist. I had worked as a secretary years ago, but once I had children I needed jobs to fit round them. I took jobs in crèches and in shops, but I also did some evening classes to improve my secretarial skills, getting my RSA qualifications. The job in the Mater came up when the children were in school and I was still doing the classes. I found that the Mater is very accommodating with hours to suit people, it was flexible enough for me to work until 3pm each day, which was great.

I joined UNISON within the first year of starting in the Mater, my father was strong in the unions, and my husband is also active in his union, so I just saw it as a natural thing to do. I’d always got information on things the union was doing, but I never put myself forward to do anything. My husband was always away off at union meetings and events, so last year I got a letter about some courses for women and I thought why not.

I went to the Women’s Health & History weekend which took place up at the Causeway Hotel. I didn’t really know what to expect, I thought someone would be talking to us and showing slides. But it was us who was doing the talking, we were broken up into small groups, which I liked because I don’t like talking in front of loads of people.

We talked about topics such as how are grannies lived, how things have changed over the years. We marked out the decades since 1910 and discussed what was happening in terms of health and history for women. It was great, we were having a good laugh remembering different years and events but were also learning. I was surprised to find out that unions have been in existence since the 1800s. It was nice to meet different people, there were school cleaners, catering staff, nursing auxiliaries and a good mix of ages, which really added to the discussions.

The course was run overnight which was great. During the day the focus was on the various topics, and in the evening the chat was more sociable. The tutor was very good, very interesting and made sure that everyone had a chance to participate. In the morning a group of us went down to the Giant’s Causeway, because there were people there who had never seen it.

This year I’ve come along to the residential for admin & clerical workers. I liked the fact that it targeted people doing the same type of job as me. Again, there’s a good mix, people from different Health Trusts and school based staff. I’d like to find out more about Agenda for Change and it’s a chance to talk through issues which affect us particularly.

Next I think I’d like to do a course on public speaking, because I still don’t have the confidence to stand up and speak in front of people, but perhaps with some more support I will.