Community: The Union for Life

GROW is a registered charity and a Company Limited by Guarantee. We have been delivering this service to the many communities of Rotherham since 1988 and we became an independent organisation in January 2001

NEC member Sue Mathers addressing the Rotherham Women's network

GROW offers a first step provision that supports women of all ages to re-engage and move towards recognising and achieving their true potential. GROW offers a number of services that can be tailored to the often complex needs of its service users.

Rotherham Women's Network supporting and representing the views and aspirations of all Rotherham Women.

Rotherham Women's Network believes women should be able to become involved in decision making and that there should be equality of access to services.

Community supports GROW in Rotherham.

Sue Mathers with Community officer Dave Martin at the Community stall

The first woman’s equality conference was launched with an event entitled ‘Women working together for change’ which was organised by Grow. This took place on Wednesday 5 March at the Silverwood Miners Welfare Centre, Dalton Rotherham.

Community had a stand at the event staffed by David Martin, Membership Liaison Manager with recruiting information and other literature available and a number of recruiting forms were given out. Sue Mather NEC member conducted a workshop and spoke about the work of Community and the union’s involvement within the community.

Report from NEC member Sue Mather

This is an exciting time for women in Rotherham as the borough's first women’s strategy has been developed.

The launch of the strategy formed part of Rotherham's first women's equality conference on 5 March 2008, held at Silverwood Miners' Welfare Centre, Dalton

The strategy aims to make sure the needs of women are identified and addressed, as many key plans and policies do not really take account of any differences in needs and priorities between women and men. Research and statistics show that there are still many arenas where women experience inequality and disadvantage due to their gender, and in addition women face further discrimination due to factors such as age, sexuality, disability, ethnicity or faith. Another important aim is to make sure that women’s achievements and contributions in all fields are recognised and celebrated.

Sue Mathers hosting a workshop for the Rotherham Women's Network

I went along as a speaker to explain about how trade unions work as a force for good in encouraging diversity and equality.

I also ran a workshop to draw attention to the family friendly legislation that the unions have campaigned for, which people can utilise to help with their work life balance. Parental leave, maternity leave and flexible working were discussed.

The other speakers were very interesting and I believe that the women who attended the conference benefited from it.

Sue Mather

NEC Member

Aldwarke C&T