Community Service Workers
Our communities are facing a crisis
We have more people living on our streets, crowded into our jails, fighting with their addictions, and fending for themselves with mental illness or disabilities. We have more people and more families struggling to get by.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. Community Service Workers support us. All we have to do is support them, too.
Their Stories
Stasia - Community Facilitator, BC.
Sheri - Addictions Counsellor, AB.
Roxanne - Community Health Worker, BC.
Susan - Youth Mental Health Clinician, BC.
Lucy - Community Nurse, ON.
Leanne - Social Service Worker student, ON.
Laurel - Career Practitioner, NS.
Kathie - Palliative Social Worker, AB.
Recent News
OPSEU urges greater attention be paid to community social service workers and vulnerable populations
“You can’t provide emergency housing over a video conference. We need to be there to ensure that they get the safe and supportive housing they need.” — Kareen Marshall, OPSEU Community Agencies Sector Chair
2019 Voter's Guide Factsheets: Seniors
As NUPGE members who work to provide services for seniors can tell you, funding has not kept pace with need.
Community Service Workers Appreciation Day — November 6
"Let's take time to say thank you to those who take on such important work and support them as they fight for a better future for all of us." — Larry Brown, NUPGE President
Independent advocate reaffirms call to bring seniors’ care back into government: BCGEU
BCGEU/NUPGE sees the report as supporting their call to restore seniors' care in B.C. by putting people before profits and bringing the sector back under government as a public service.
Mackenzie Counselling Services employees join HSABC
“The delivery of quality mental health care begins with quality jobs. MCS’s employees work tirelessly to support families across the region.” — Val Avery, HSABC President
BCGEU seniors’ care workers reach deal to improve working conditions
"This is a win for seniors as much as it is for workers." — Stephanie Smith, BCGEU President
March is Social Work Appreciation Month
"These jobs are difficult, demanding and stressful, but they are there because they are helping people. They deserve our recognition for being an integral part of our health and community support systems. On behalf of the 390,000 members of NUPGE — thank you!" — Bert Blundon, NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer
COVID-19: Safety is not negotiable for anyone - including health care workers
The strength of our health care system rests on our doctors, nurses, health science professionals, allied health workers, EMS personnel, DSWs, PSWs, health care aides, orderlies, cleaners, food service workers and others; to treat patients and keep the broader public safe, they need to be protected.
COVID-19: Protecting mental health during crisis
We need to take care of ourselves especially now and a big part of being healthy means taking care of our mental health. Stress is a major factor in poor health. And for those who struggle with mental illness, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, these times are especially difficult.
President's Commentary: Every day heroes. Heroes Every Day
And what about the long list of workers that have been deemed essential during this pandemic? People who work in our grocery and convenience stores, at gas stations, or who provide food delivery. These are also the heroes we’re hearing about. Would you have seen them that way before the pandemic broke out?