North West branch activists and organisers recruited over 2,250 new members in May during the national Go for Growth campaign.

In 2018, UNISON grew in size to become the UK's largest trade union. Last month's Go for Growth campaign challenged branches, regions and the UNISON Centre to continue growing the union in size and strength.

In the North West, branches and organisers developed recruitment strategies, delivering a variety of recruitment and organising events across the region. It's testament to their hard work and dedication that UNISON North West welcomed over 2,000 new members into our union during May.

Throughout Go for Growth, branch achievements were recognised by UNISON NW Organising and Recruitment awards of bronze (50+ members recruited), silver (100+ members recruited) and gold (150+members recruited). 16 branches earned themselves the bronze award through their commitment to recruiting new members. Even more impressively, two branches won the silver award whilst a further two won gold awards in recognition of their excellent recruitment levels.

Manchester University Healthcare branch won a gold award by recruiting a staggering 175 members. Branch secretary Wendy Guest said:

"As a branch we are committed to getting out, speaking with our members and ensuring that anyone who works for MFT has the opportunity to join UNISON. 

We organise regular drop-ins to all hospital sites within our branch and we ensure that the branch is represented at all inductions for new starters at the trust. On top of this, we arranged two weeks worth of hospital walkarounds during May which bolstered recruitment levels.

A huge congratulations to all activists in the branch who took part in our successful Go for Growth campaign."

Stockport Health branch also won a platinum award for highest proportional membership growth of any North West branch. The awards will be presented to branches at the next Regional Council meeting.

Nationally, UNISON recruited over 15,000 members during May, up 17% on May 2018. And more importantly, UNISON already has almost 6000 more members today than at the start of the year – the union is on track to grow again in 2019.

Full List of NW Go for Growth Awards: