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My Story - Sue Beeston
Hello my name is Sue, I have worked at Ipswich Hospital for almost 25 years.
I joined Unison in 1984, as I thought it would be a good idea to have protection and representation if I ever needed it.
In the year 2000 UNISON started to open new doors for me. I came into work one morning to find a poster on the wall asking if you would like to learn new skills and become more confident in communicating. I thought that’s just what I need. So I asked my line manager to put my name forward. He said it was for a Communication and Skills course being run at work by UNISON.
I was one of 50 to be selected for this course. After the course I was a different person, and more confident. I went on to do more courses with UNISON, including Creative Writing, Women’s Lives, and Return to Work. My confidence just kept growing. I met so many new people and enjoyed every course.
In 2004 I was put forward for a Learner of the Year award. I really couldn’t believe this could happen to me. I was taken to Norwich Open College to receive my award. It was presented to me by Ian Gibson MP.
After receiving this award I just wanted to spread the word to everyone about how UNISON had helped me to change my life, so I decided to train as a learning rep for UNISON so I could help share information with others and signpost staff members who wanted to do courses.
Staff kept asking me: ‘What’s happening to you? You’ve gone from being a very shy and quiet person to someone with lots of confidence. I said, ‘It’s all down to UNISON courses.’ My confidence didn’t stop growing. I have now put myself forward to become a steward for UNISON so I can go on helping and supporting staff.
I guess I’ve learnt that it’s never too late to learn new skills.
If anyone would like more information about UNISON and the courses they provide you can contact me at Ipswich Hospital in the A & E Department.
See also - Become a Learning Representative
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