Unions unite to launch new community activists centre

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has teamed up with the Unite union to launch the centre, where people would also be able to get advice and help on issues such as benefits and housing.

The centre is aimed at recruiting unemployed people as well as students, retired people and disabled people.

It will be based at the NUM'S historic headquarters in Barnsley.

Government cuts are hitting funding to voluntary groups and services across Britain, leaving many struggling to survive. But Unite community co-ordinator Joe Rollin said the new centre was not intended to replace or duplicate them.

Mr Rollin said while help and advice would be provided: "We want to hammer home that it is not about taking the place of Citizens Advice Bureaux and other organisations. We do not want to be part of Cameron's 'Big Society.'

"But people who do go to CABs, Shelter, Food Banks or church groups, do not get advice about trades unionism and campaigning, or an education in how to organise.

"We want to educate people about politics and trade unionism and how they can fight back and campaign against the cuts in their own communities. We want to give people practical advice and help but also much more."

NUM national secretary Chris Kitchen said the centre aimed to emphasise the importance of being in a trade union.

He said: "It is in line with the aims and principles of the NUM."

Mr Rollin, who has a background in the printing industry, said the aim of the centre was to "Educate, agitate, organise."

The unions hope to open the centre by April.

• To get involved or find out more contact joe.rollin@unite theunion.org