CHAMPIONS IN THE NORTH WEST
Barrow-In-Furness - Helen Mason Prospect
Blackburn - Martin Berry CWU
Blackburn - Jenny Smith Unison
I wanted to gain info when dealing with disability issues as I am very involved area of legislation in respect of employment law
Blackpool - Paul Hardon Unite
Blackpool - Joanne Mansbridge Unite
Blackpool - Teresa Wintrip Unite
I became a disability champion because i believe disabled people have the same rights as able bodied people and that people with disabilities bring a different insight into things that an able bodied person couldn't. Able bodied or disabled we all have the same dreams the same fears the same colour blood running through our veins just because someone is hard of hearing, walks with a limp,or whatever doesn't mean society should value them any less and it doesn't mean we disregard them as being instrumental in our future.
Bolton - Michael Barnes CWU
Bolton - Karen Johnson Accord
Bolton - Jacqueline Winstanley Unison
Bootle - Debi Clish PCS
I found out about this in trade union education prospectus / comrades & colleagues. I'm a personal caseworker in my branch. Many members’ issues surround DDA / disabilities / reasonable adjustments and ensuring the employer recognises DDA and meets their obligations when applicable.
Bootle - Ian Corrin CWU
I found out about this on the CWU website an want to help people get the help and the rights they are entitled to.
Bootle - Veronica Haddock PCS
Bootle - Andrew Sherman PCS
I heard about this through my equality & diversity officer at work. I'm a member of the equality & diversity sub committee and I want to help people both with and without disabilities; it's going to be interesting and to help me gain knowledge
Burnley - Terry Burns Unite
Unite full time officer
Carlisle - Liz Walsh Unison
I became a DC as i am a disabled person and the Trust i work for seemed to have little knowledge (as well as myself) as to what this may mean to them and to staff members who find themselves disabled.
I am desperately looking for my file as have already completed the course some time ago and am updating myself!!!
Cheshire - Jane Stanley-McCrave Unison
Hi, my name is Jane Stanley-McCrave and I work for Cheshire County Council. I am responsible for Welfare to Work across Cheshire, as well as managing parts of the Supported Employment provision we have. It is really important that the barriers faced by disabled people continue to be challenged which will have a positive impact on the whole of society and not just disabled people.
An important part of my role is to raise the profile of disabled people and the benefits of a diverse workforce – not just within the County Council, but throughout the business commUnite of Cheshire. Becoming a disability champion will, I am sure, help me to do this.
Chester - Alan Lord Unison
Chester - Martin McNally CWU
Hi my name is Martin McNally but liked to be know as Maca the union I belong to is the CWU Communications Workers Union I hold the position of Lead ULR Union Learning Rep at Chester Mail Centre. We have approx 750 members on site but are branch covers a large area from Wirral to North Wales with members of 2,200 I found out about the Disability Champions course at one of are ULR Forums.
Chester - Adrian Prins CWU
Hi my name is Ary Adrian Prins or Ady for short, I belong to the CWU or Communications Workers Union and I hold am a Union Learning Rep.
I am employed at Chester Mail Centre as a postman/collection driver. We have approx. 75o members on site with many more across the CH and LL postcodes. I found out about Disability Champions from an e-mail I received and being the nosey type dug around a bit to find out what it was about.
I do not think I had any real thoughts about the role; except that I think the name does what it says on the tin, so to speak.
Crewe - Barry Cotterill Unison
Congleton - Hazel Evans Unite
Drisington - Kevin White Prospect
Dukinfield - Stephen Toulson PCS
Endmoor - Daisy Lussier Unison
Fleetwood - Greg Amissah CWU
Gorton - Sarah Holden Unite
Unite full time officer
Lancaster - Jackie Elliott CWU
Liverpool - Eric Bennett Unison
I was attending another course and selected a leaflet advertising the course. I have represented members within the workplace who are disabled and wanted to learn more about how I can help people with disability
Liverpool - Richard Benson Unison
I became more aware of potential problems for people with "hidden" disabilities when attended 1 day seminar for promotion of books "Well Read" concerning mental illnesses.Conscious that Service to People with disability Unit in Liverpool Central Library is hanging on by skin of teeth. I appreciate being able to get to know more about obligations of employers and colleagues under DDA, and that "reasonable adjustments"can be negotiated to benefit the employee and employer.
Liverpool - Aaron Carter PCS
Liverpool - Jimmy Challoner Unison
Liverpool - John Connerty PCS
Liverpool - Lyn Cunningham PCS
Liverpool - Mary Doolin PCS
I am currently the Equality and Diversity officer for my branch. Members with disabilities are being targeted by management in relation to sick leave. They are one of our most vulnerable groups and need all the support of the union to protect them. I felt it was essential that I enhanced my knowledge and understanding of the issues facing disabled members in the workplace, to ensure that I was representing them correctly.
Lack of understanding and knowledge are generally cited as the reasons for discrimination. Yet the Disability Discrimination act has been around for 12 years. Ignorance is no excuse. I will represent all members to the best of my ability to ensure no member is treated less favourably.
Liverpool - Janette Edwards Unite
Liverpool - Bob Freeman CWU
Liverpool - Terri Igwe GMB
Liverpool - John Inskip Unite
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My name is John Inskip I am 47yrs old and work for the North West TUC Learning Services, our role is to assist affiliate unions and Union Learning Representative to support their members in Lifelong Learning. I was a shop steward for over 15 years representing members under AEEU, now Unite.
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| My interest to become a Disability Champion was predominately because I myself have a disability, suffering a Brain Haemorrhage when I was 19yrs old working for an automotive firm. After my illness and returning back to the automotive firm, I quickly realised, how some view disability and assume, what a disabled persons "can and can't do", i.e. if they can't do it, neither can the disabled person!!!! What I want to be able to do, is successfully assist members with disabilities, Union Learning Representatives, or their organisation in working to the Disability Discrimination Act, also provide additional information and ensure disabled members are treated fairly and equitably, and in accordance with the Law.
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Liverpool - Marjorie Jones PCS
I received information about this role from a college flyer. As person who copes with a disability myself, I feel it very important to challenge any policy in all areas of life that affect a persons life quality in anyway. I hope to make a difference to all people in from all walks of life, to bring understanding as to what constitutes a disability.
Liverpool - Rodney Jones Unison
I felt I needed a better understanding of what was now regarded as a disability and what specific problems people with disabilities faced in the workplace. I also wanted to be able to represent our members better at the Council's capability reviews and hearings and be in a more informed position to offer advice.
Liverpool - Roy Jones PCS
Liverpool - Stephen Kearney PCS
Liverpool - Jim Kendal Unite
Liverpool - Lianne Kinsella Unison
I used to work for TUC; I got the information from a colleague. I am really interested in working with people with disabilities/Special Needs. So I thought this course would be useful for me. I didn't think it was going to be as interesting to what it has been.
Liverpool - Frank Lawton PCS
Liverpool - Kim Lewis PCS
Liverpool - Louise Linford PCS
Liverpool - Sherrell Martin Unite
Liverpool - Alan Martin Unite
email me
I have been an Unite member since September 1985 (first ASTMS then MSF now Unite). I became a rep in the workplace (then Royal Life Insurance, now Royal & SunAlliance) fairly quickly after joining the union. I now work for Unisys Insurance Services Ltd (UISL).
I became disabled when I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in March 1990. I didn't at first realise that I was disabled, the disease didn't seem to make any difference to everyday life, but relatively quickly, it became progressively worse. I realised that, yes, without any doubt I was disabled. I quickly realised that I and other disabled people have specific needs and concerns and are liable to suffer specific forms of discrimination.
Since then my concern has been to address the issues faced by disabled people in my workplace and also in wider society. My aim is to successfully work for all members, whether disabled or not, and attempt to ensure that they are treated fairly and equitably. I think there is a need work with our members and their employers, to offer support and to ensure that we all know our obligations and our rights.
I think this initiative is very exciting; I have read the 10 golden rules of being a disability champion and am confident that with training and support of a network of others, I can fulfil that role.
Liverpool - Christine Mawdsley Accord
Liverpool - John Maxwell Unison
Liverpool - David Miley PCS
I found out about this whilst I was attending an Occupational Health course (I recommend it!) I want to make my colleagues more aware. Following on from the health and safety courses that I have attended I think this really is another very informative course.
Liverpool - James Oakley CWU
I found out about Disability Champions when I was asked if I had an interest on the matter at the union meeting. My father was diagnosed with MS, 25 years ago, and over time come across many barriers for people with disabilities. I had received considerable support from union with difficulties I came across when my son was recently diagnosed with CF. I hope to give support to other members themselves and their families. There is a lot to take in in such a small space of time on the course!
Liverpool - Carolyn O'Shea PCS
I am a member of the equality and diversity union sub-committee and wished to broaden my knowledge with disability issues. There is so much that I didn't know and I believe that every member of staff, especially managers should under-go this training.
Liverpool - Margaret Rathbone PCS
Liverpool - Linda Ryan Unison
I found out about the course through a friend at the TUC also a colleague is a Disability Champion. I became a disability champion to gain more knowledge to help other people. I am also disabled myself and feel I can help others through learning more. My first thoughts of the course are how much there is to be gained from doing the course.
Liverpool - Cecilia Toole PCS
Liverpool - Heather Tweedle PCS
As Lead H & S rep I felt that it would be an advantage to become more aware of disability legislation
Liverpool - Pamela Waugh PCS
While attending another training course with the TUC in Liverpool I was informed about the Disability Champions course and decided to participate because I wanted to help and support my colleagues, and raise awareness in the workplace. Ensuring there is a key contact (me) for disabled members in the workplace. I have gained a greater understanding and awareness of the role of the disability champion and how I will be able to put my training into practice back in the workplace. I have also gained more knowledge about the outside organisations that are available to assist colleagues on all aspects of disability issues.
Liverpool - Chris Whittle Unison
My name is Chris Whittle. I am a Unison rep at Aintree 'Fazakerley' hospital in Liverpool. I got involved with this project because I became fed up with the equalities that were happening to work colleagues and those who have a disability.
Liverpool - Alison Williams CWU
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I want to be able to provide more practical assistance to members who become disabled and consequently require adjustments to be made to their role in work. I hope that the Disability Champions course will enable me to find more sources of information and access to assistance for those members with disabilities, to ensure that they are treated fairly at work. |
Liverpool - John Williams Unison
Myself and a number of other H&S Reps are concerned that some of our members may be getting finished off under the guise of capability inappropriately. We want to try and make sure that we have the requisite knowledge to ensure that the DDA is recognised and that the capability option is the very last port of call rather than the first. I think we face a big challenge to inform and hopefully educate our members but think the bigger challenge will come in educating the employers.
Lytham St Annes - Dave Horseman Unite
I did the course online with East Riding College following a recomendation from a friend.
Lytham St Annes - Jason Walker Unite
I have been a Union Rep for several years now and it was raised at a branch meeting that Disability Champions were needed. I decided to volunteer. I have been raised by two disabled parents, my father unfortunately died of cancer earlier this year and I am now a part time carer for my wheelchair bound mother. In addition I have had various bouts of depression in recent years and as a result of all these experiences am very aware of the obstacles disabled people have to overcome in everyday life and would like to assist this, even if only in a small way. Having looked through the Website and already had one or two communications, I find the work being done here encouraging and inspiring and am looking forward to becoming a part of it.
Lytham St Annes - David Woolley Unifi
Macclesfield - Chris Martin Unite
Manchester - Lou Ashtonhurst Unite
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I became a Champion following problems I have experienced with HR while going through Epilipsy investigations, and speaking to colleagures with disabilties who were struggling to get HR to agree adjustments. |
Manchester - Caroline Beard Unite
email me
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Hi my name is Caroline. I am a Project Co-ordinator. I manage an independent employment information and advocacy service. We work with disabled clients to assist in the removal of barriers they may be facing in work. We have lots of useful information and free fact sheets on the publications page of our Website like Access to Work for Employers, |
| Access to Work for Individuals, Reasonable Adjustments, the Social Model of Disability and Independent Living and many more. The company I work for is run by disabled people. Who better to understand the needs of disabled people and the barriers they face. I myself have a physical disability and also one that is classed as a hidden one. I have been disabled from birth and I have had to face a few challenges in my time to overcome stereotypes and perceptions of disability that people have. I work hard to change the attitudes of employers and promote the many good things that a diverse work force can bring to their companies. |
Manchester - Terry Bawden TSSA
I found out about the course because I joined my unions disability group for support and advice. It was through this that I heard about the Disability Champions course and jumped at the opportunity to gain a better understanding of our rights and our employers responsibilities.
As a person with disabilities I've suffered ignorance and arrogance within the workplace. As a hot headed individual I realised I had little choice but stand up for myself and others without a voice.
Not only are disabled people ignorant of their rights so are managers and often personnel. As a result of this I have seen staff (in many companies I've worked for) be manipulated to the benefit of the company and the detriment of the individual.
Manchester - Ruth Cosgrove PCS
Manchester - Erika Coughlan Unite
I found out about this through Unite initially. I then went on to the Disability Champion website to get further information.I wanted to help Disabled Unite Members in Lloyds TSB. I think it will be a very worthwile role
Manchester - Shaun Dent Unite
I wanted to become a champion to enable me to be a better Health and Safety Manager and help others. I would like to see the programme to be a success
Manchester - Tammy Downsworth PCS
I came across this project though Dave Parr and this Website. I wanted to get involved to develop an interest into practical help for fellow colleagues. I have just finished the five day training course at TUC Liverpool part of Wirral Metropolitan College and am eager to put some of the exercises into practice.
Manchester - Clare Drummond CWU
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Not only am I a Delivery rep, I am also the Equality Officer for the Greater Manchester Branch of the CWU and the more i learn and experience the better i can help the members of our union. It's going to be a very difficult and challenging position. |
Manchester - Sarah France USDAW
Manchester - Anthony PJ Hagan CWU
I feel strongly about this area and want to do more to help and assist others. I recently had a peek in the world of being disabled due to a traffic accident, I was shocked at lack of facilities for mobility access and ignorance of attitudes. (You have no idea how hard it is to make people believe you are a health and safety officer, when you walk around with a crutch.) Knowledge is power and this subject area is natural progression in what I already do.(Branch O2 Health and safety Co-ord)We should pro-actively change society to have a better environment and better attitudes, so that there would be no need for the disabled to adapt and interact in the working life, as society would already acknowledge these adjustments as a normal process of everyday life.
Manchester - Isabel Hay Unite
I found out about the role from the Disability Champions website, a few years ago, but I wasn't able to attend a course (too painful!), but I can now its online. I would have been interested anyway, but I became disabled myself a few years ago. I want to stop people from having to struggle to get what they need to help them be in work. I am a union rep too, so I will be well placed to help people.
Manchester - Pete Hinchliffe Unison
I want to make a positive difference to the lives of disabled members in my workplace and stop them being victimised. Having a disability is bad enough but when an employer refuses to acknowledge their legal responsibilities, it is almost like being doubly disabled. They need to see us as a resource, not an inconvenience.
Manchester - Sharon Hughes PCS
Manchester - Michelle Jones UCU
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I found out about this from my colleague who's member with Unison.
I would like to update and develop my knowledge with equality issues and UCU asked me to do the course. I'm unclear what Disability Champion will involve at the moment. |
Manchester - Mike Kitson Unite
I found out about the course from the unionlearn website and signed up because I am interested in equality issues. I am also a type 1 insulin dependant diabetic (well controlled) and although I do not consider myself disabled, things may change in the future and ensuring that people like me and with worse disabilities are treated equally an fairly is very important.
Manchester - Des Murphy USDAW
I want to help members who suffer disabilitys in the workplace to be a voice for them in my branch.
Just looking forward to being able to represent my members better
Manchester - Chris Pimlott CWU
I am a full time health and safety representative covering approx 30 motor transport workshops for Royal Mail Vehicle Services CWU members in the Northeast and Northwest part of the UK. Due to the nature of our working environment we have members who either become temporary or permanently disabled so wish to learn more to enable myself to represent members more effectively. My only concern is that it could be tough managing time.
Manchester - Jo Rogers CWU
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I found out about this course through my union & it was promoted at various disability forums. I was approached by my union (I sit on the BEC in a voluntary capacity)to become a disability rep. I was diagnosed with MS in 2006 & I wanted to help others in the same boat as myself.
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Being newly disabled I am on a huge learning curve & if I can pass on any useful information I've learnt on the way to others that is great. I have my own disability web page on the union web site with plenty of this information & more. I see the role of disability chaampion as empowering & a platform to promote disability in a positive light whilst assisting disabled members in whatever way I can.
Manchester - Peter Shepherd Unite
I attended a course with Amicus where I learnt about Disability Champions and the excellent work they do. I want to assist and support my colleagues, members and non-members to overcome the myths and discrimination of disablity.
Brilliant, informative and easy to use website. With a network of over one thousand it has to be good and useful.
Manchester - Carole Townsend GMB
Manchester - Dave Williams Unite
email me
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My name is Dave Williams and I work for the Co-operative Insurance
Society in Manchester. I am 41, married to Donna with two children, Francesca
aged 3 and Ryan aged 6 months. I live in the rarified atmosphere of the Pennines and most of my
neighbours are sheep. I like music, fishing and prefer to drink fruit juice (if
fermented). |
| I have a disability (Combat PTSD) relating to my time in the Royal Air
Force and I am a war pensioner - which still sounds odd - even to me!
My particular interest is in 'hidden' disabilities, the effects of
which I believe are greatly underestimated in the workplace. A large
proportion of members that we see in incapability and disciplinary cases have
suffered with mental problems, stress at work related or otherwise.
I also have a fair understanding of physical disabilities as both of my
parents were physically disabled in the workplace. |
Milnrow - Daniel McWilliam CWU
Morcambe - Hazel Bishop CWU
Newton Heath - Des Farrell Unite
Northwich - Maureen Hitchen Prospect
Oldham - Steve Titley Equity
Preston - David Alty Unite
Preston - Ray Atkinson CWU
I am a member of the Communication Workers Union based in Preston, North West England. I found out about Disability Champions@Work from a Colleague at North West Unionlearn. I help to set up leaning courses for our members in the North West, so I felt it was right for me to undertake the course so I can understand the issues and be able to explain the content to potential champions. I also wanted to understand the difficulties facing disabled colleagues. A lot of useful information has been exchanged on the course. I will have no hesitation in recommending it to our members.
Preston - Alan Blockley USDAW
Preston - John Cameron Unite
email me
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I'm 41 and live in St Annes on the Fylde Coast. I work for BAE Systems at the
Warton Site and spend all of my time on Union Duties, though I was employed as a
Systems Engineer coming on for 19 years ago after graduating from what was then
Preston Polytechnic (now University of Central Lancashire).
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| I am a TU Rep a TU
Health & Safety Rep & a TU Learning Rep - phew! I joined the Union (TASS) shortly
after starting work and became an active rep about 12 years ago and have been
involved at a Senior Rep level for about 10 years. We are a large workplace
bargaining group with around 3,500 members, so as you can imagine it is a very
diverse membership.
My interest in disability stems from my diagnosis last year of epilepsy and the
effect it has had on my life. It has really made me think and re-evaluate what is
important and what is just floss. I am an advanced driver and used to really enjoy
driving, however, currently I'm still without my driving license having had it
revoked because of my condition.
Finally I'm an avid follower of Carlisle United (it's my home city) and for my sins
have a season ticket. I'm also a member of CAMRA and also have a keen interest in
listening to music (mostly roots).
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Preston - Gill Cookson Accord
Preston - Stephen Fishwick CWU
Preston - Paul Harrison PCS
Rochdale - Tommy Ingham CWU
Preston - John Sadikot Unite
email me
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Hello, my name is John Sadikot. I am 45 years old and have worked for the Post Office for 24 years. I currently work for Parcelforce Worldwide at Preston and my role is of Northern Area Regional Secretary and Health and Safety Representative for Unite/CMA covering the North West, North East and Scotland. |
| I am also part of the Equalities Advisory Committee for Unite/CMA and that is where I was nominated to represent Parcelforce as a Disability Champion. I would say that I have no disabilities but I am sure that some of my colleagues would disagree.
The challenge ahead is new for me as up to now I have only employed staff with disabilities and have had to cater for their needs because I had to. Now with this I am going to have to look for disabilities and highlight issues to my superiors.
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Preston - John Mackey Unison
Salford - Peter Shepherd Unite
Salford - Michael Thomas Unite
Seascale - Tracy McGrady Prospect
Great course, lots of valuable info.
Sellafield - Brett Colqhoun GMB
My aim is to become a more well rounded workplace representative, who can deal with all situations that may arise in the work place.
Sellafield - John Dixon Prospect
I found out about this through our Learndirect centre on site. I hope to make people more aware of disabled people and to be able to provide help and support.
Sellafield - Martin Finlinson Prospect
I'm doing the course at my company's learning centre, I found out about it from the union and hopefully I can make a difference.
Sellafield - Linda Hilton Prospect
Sellafield - Nick Jeffery Unite
Sellafield - Jennie Johnson GMB
Sellafield - Helen Mason Prospect
There is a lack of information on our site as to disabled people and their entitlements. Even after one session on the course I have a much greater awareness and enthusiasm.
Sellafield - Lisa Robb Prospect
I am doing my Personal Management Agreement on Disability in the work place. I must give a presentation to the team so they have a understanding. I have a member's of my family who have disabilitys so I can relate to others better.
Sellafield - Mike Rogan Unite
Sellafield - Barbara Shepherd Prospect
Skelmersdale - Mark Foster PCS
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I did the course at TUC Wirral met, Cotton exchange in Liverpool because it interests myself and I believe we need to represent the members who may need us the most in our society today. |
The course is really factual and interesting; I want to really make a difference in my workplace and at home as well.
Southport - John Cass TSSA
Southport - Pauline McArdle TSSA
St Helens - Helen Almond Unite
Well I would like to be a disability champion all though I don’t know if I am the right person but hey here goes...I am the staff side chair for Knowsley PCT and an Unite rep. I am currently a member of the Knowsley PCT Equality and Diversity Workers group. It is because of my involvement with this group and the lack of a voice in our PCT on Disability issues that made me want to find out more about disability and how it can effect both staff and patients in their every day lives. In the true sense of the word I am not disabled but I think I understand a little of how disabled people feel, as after an accident at work, I was unable to carry out my role as a Podiatry Assistant, and was just left filing paper and putting stats on data bases (which no one ever used)! I found the whole experience devastating as I felt as if my brain had been removed rather than just having a physical disability. I also found there was little information in the PCT about what was available to me or a named person to help. Thankfully these issues have been resolved now over time and I have been on a mission to see what I can do to help others in the same (or worse) situations. I am finding your emails of interest so keep up the good work I would also like to attend some training as soon as I can.
St Helens - Joe Bailey Unite
St Helens - Derek Maylor CWU
Derek Maylor, Chair of the BT Unions H & S Co-ord and Safety Co-ordinator for the Merseyside & SW Lancs. Branch. Thanks to the TUC + CWU training schemes I am a member of IIRSM and TechSP with IOSH. I am Chair of the three NW safety committees, namely the BT Unions H & S Co-ord, the NW Engineering Safety Committee and the CWU Safety Forum. See www.unionsafety.eu
Outside work I'm a Labour Activist and involved in community issues. I have a season ticket for Liverpool and go to as many England as I can, I also frequently go to Knowsley Road to watch Saints.
St Helens - Paul Pritchard CWU
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I’m Paul Pritchard a CWU Rep from BT based in St Helens. After many incidents of colleagues at work having to struggle against unfair practices and prejudice ranging from the obscene to the absurd I felt that the Disability Champions role was important in getting Trade Unions and their officials working towards an effective solution to disability discrimination in the workplace! |
Stockport - Garry Harney FBU
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was told about Disability Champions by a union learn friend.
I believe everybody should have a voice but sometimes people need others to speak up for them. I am looking forward to being part of this team, being able to offer support and advice if someone needs it.
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I believe disability discrimination to be the lowest form of discrimination and i will fight to rid all discrimination from our commUnite and work place.
Stockport - Graham Kingston CWU
I’m 55 years old, and I wear two CWU ‘hats’ – Union Learning Rep and Health & Safety Rep – at Stockport Royal Mail MDEC (Manual Data Entry Centre).
I got involved as a ULR because I feel I had a good education and wanted to be able to share as much as I could with others, especially those who have problems of any kind with access to learning.
I was born with Ricketts, and developed Osteo-Arthritis in my early thirties, which led to two knee replacements in the late 1990’s, and I will soon be needing a hip replacement. I also have partial hearing. So you will see why I am so interested developing a role as a Disability Champion.
I enjoy getting involved in organizing ‘fun days’ at work, and regularly act in or stage manage Pantomimes at local theatres with an amateur group.
Last November I attended the DSNAC conference in Swansea and I will be asking my branch if they would sponsor me to stand for a place on the Committee this year.
Hopefully I will be able to be off assistance to you or your colleagues one day!
Stockport - Dave Wallworth Unite
Unite National Disabled Members' Committee
Wallasey - Lindsey Adams Unite
Warrington - Adele Brophy CWU
Warrington - Pam Crompton CWU
Wallasey - Emma Smith Accord
Warrington - Phil Didsbury Prospect
I found out about the course from a fellow Union Learning Representative who works in the Union Learning Centre. I knew so little about the subject and I was sure that others, including management, knew as much as I did. I wanted to find out more and help to spread the word. After the initial session I realise just how little I and others in the Company did know and how daunting the prospect of spreading the word will be.
Whitehaven - Carl Lewthwaite GMB
I start the training in Feb 07, my reason is quite simple really. I now suffer from a disability myself due to a spinal reconstruction in the lower region. It’s selfish of me I know but I now have to really think about how I do things or go about my normal day to day activities, before this happened I never had to. I want to help others in my situation and not just that, but to get others to help[ and understand us people with disabilities. I struggle from day to day, some good days some bad, but I have found a way to hide my disability the best I can. I am only a young man and to be honest I have a lot of anger inside as to why this happened to me. I am also hoping this will help me understand more, also the public (not all) can be very ignorant towards people like me as most the time you can’t see visually what my disability is.
Whitehaven - Shaun Rogers Unite
Wigan - Stephen Barlow PCS
I trained at Merseyside TU Education. I am disabled myself, and wanted to learn more about other peoples disabilities and experience of problem in the work place, and ultimately to be in a better position to help my members. I have really enjoyed the course, and would encourage other people to go on it as well.
Wigan - John Calderbank Unite
I was informed by fellow steward about the course. Being disabled myself, this being in the last few years.
Wigan - Mary Callaghan Unite
Wigan - Tony Rose CWU
Would like to try and make a diffrence, totally detest discrimination of any kind, and open to learning.
Lots and Lots of information, already wondering how many people suffer in silence. Can get weighed down with work, so hope I can finish the course.
Wirral - Gerard Smyth Unite
Wirral - Colin Turner PCS
I am currently employed by the Department of Work and Pensions within
the Child Support Agency in Birkenhead. I am PCS (Public and Commercial
Services) Union and serve as a Branch Rep and a Union Learning Rep.
My Trade Union history goes back a lot further in as much that I used
to be employed within Local Government and other businesses and also
undertook similar duties as a Rep/Shop Steward. Also I am a qualified
Trainer and have worked within that environment as well.
My interest in Disability Champions has arisen with information
gleaned and having chatted to a very enthusiastic Champion here in
Merseyside.I look forward to playing a role within and a s well as my other roles
in the workplace.
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