Over 100 Staff at Second Step Charity to Strike for Four Days

Staff members at the mental health charity Second Step in Bristol are set to strike for four days, starting tomorrow, January 12, 2026. A total of 112 employees will participate in the walkout, prompting the charity to implement contingency plans aimed at minimizing disruption to their services.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Second Step affirmed their commitment to maintaining support for clients during the industrial action. “While we respect the right of union members to take lawful industrial action and remain committed to constructive conversations with Unison, our main priority remains maintaining safe, continuous support for the people who rely on our services every day,” the spokesperson noted.

The charity, located on Pennywell Road, is known for its collaboration with the NHS and other organizations to provide essential mental health services. To ensure that support continues, team managers will assist colleagues who are working during the strike.

Tim Roberts, the regional secretary for South West Unison, expressed the staff’s concerns, saying, “Workers want to focus on supporting people experiencing mental health difficulties, not worrying about how they will pay their bills.”

Second Step has thanked its clients for their patience during this period of industrial action, emphasizing the importance of a stable and supportive environment for those in need of mental health services. The strike is scheduled to occur over the next four days, with the potential for further actions depending on the outcomes of ongoing negotiations.

As the situation develops, both management and staff are hopeful for a resolution that addresses the concerns of the workers while ensuring that the vital services provided to the community remain intact.