Upcoming Lunch and Learn Session: Mental Health with Anthony O'Reardon 
 
Mark your calendars for this month’s Lunch and Learn session on Friday, 28th June 2024, running from 13:00 to 14:00. The focus is on mental health, with guest speaker Anthony O'Reardon, who is an ambassador for See Change.  
 
See Change is an organisation committed to eliminating mental health stigma. See Change's goals are to combat stigma and challenge discrimination associated with mental health issues. They aim to foster a supportive environment that promotes positive attitudes toward mental health. See Change works to empower individuals with mental health experiences to achieve equality, respect, and rights. 
 
Anthony O'Reardon brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to the session. Married with three teenage children, Anthony has worked as a train driver since 2017 and previously spent 12 years as a bus driver. His journey with mental health began in 2009 and has since fuelled his passion for advocacy and support. Anthony is a Wellbeing Champion at work, a See Change Ambassador, and is in the process of establishing a Mental Health Association in his community. He holds certificates in Mental Health in the Community and Workplace Wellness. 
 
This online session is designed to be accessible to all members, offering a unique opportunity to engage directly with Anthony. While the session will be recorded and available on our YouTube playlist, attending live allows you to ask questions and participate in real-time discussions. Registration is open here.
 
New to the union? Find your feet with Fórsa 101. 
 
Fórsa 101 is our popular short information and awareness raising session to welcome new members and highlight how you can become an effective change maker in your workplace   This session is specifically targeted to those who have never received any training previously or are not currently active within the union. 
 
It provides basic information to ensure you understand exactly what a trade union is, the structure of Fórsa and how to make your voice heard locally and have issues raised at divisional and national levels. 
 
The next Fórsa 101 runs on Wednesday, 10th July. There is a session at 09:30am and 18:00 to facilitate maximum participation. The sessions typically last between two and two and a half hours. Please register here. here.  

Mentorship programme

After a buzzing launch at Fórsa’s recent biennial conference, members can finally register their interest in the organisation’s new mentoring programme. With its aims to provide “on the ground” support, complementing the core training programmes offered by the Skills Academy the programme is based on a very simple idea. 
 
“It's just a really simple concept to pair people up together, trying to, you know, decipher the world of the trade union. And, you know, all of the work that we do inside of it but also just provide support,” said Fiona Dunne, Forsa’s director of training. 
 
Helen, one of the proponents of the new programme, emphasised the inter-generational value of mentorship: "The idea of this mentoring program, which we're launching today is to pass on the experience reps have gained. Even as people retire or leave their employment, this program ensures they stay connected to the union and those who follow in their footsteps." 

The programme is of 6-months duration and successful applicants will be required to commit to just one hour per month over this period. There are many benefits to both the organisation and Branches which include higher participation rates, personal development, sharing of expertise and succession planning.
 
You can read more about the programme here. You can register here.

There’s never been a better time to join a union, and it’s never been easier. Join Fórsa today.