 These are three words that are at the core of IBEW Local 258’s member-to-member counselling & referral service being launched this summer by the union to provide a union-based peer support resource that members can easily access for help with workplace, personal or family problems.
As part of the long-standing partnership between organized labour and the United Way, Local 258’s “Hearts & Mind” counselling and professional referral service is operated by union members who have volunteered or been appointed by the union to take specialized training through the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) United Way Union Counsellor courses. By learning helpful communication techniques and interview skills, with a focus on privacy and confidentiality, trained union counsellors serve as the link between a worker who may be concerned about personal, family or workplace situations and appropriate professional or local community resources that can help. Dealings with members are kept strictly confidential and referrals to helpful resources are completely voluntary. Examples of concerns union counsellors can assist with are personal or family member difficulties with alcohol or drug abuse, gambling addiction or marriage or interpersonal relationship problems. Issues causing you concern with your performance at work, such as stress, burnout, trauma and harassment, are also areas where help is available. Any union member who wishes to speak in confidence with a trained counsellor can simply pick up the phone now. Mission Statement IBEW Local 258 trained union counsellors are: • united in providing resource options for members and their families in their time of need, and • dedicated to maintaining a safe and confidential referral service to all of our members. Trained Counsellors are available to help now! IBEW Local 258’s trained counsellors are now available to help you find the tools you need for the challenges you face. From left, back row, are Fred Ruttan, Dan Klassen, John Hendricks, George Carter, Barry Kinsley, Michelle Laurie. Front row, from left are Cathy Tagseth, Karen Porter, Lisa Cardarelli. To arrange to speak with a union trained counsellor, in confidence, during regular office hours (Monday-Friday, 9 am to 5 pm) please contact the IBEW Local 258 office at 604-520-3308; toll-free 1-877-520-3305 or call Dan at 604-312-5929 anytime. | 
