On Tuesday 28th March we collaborated with Working Carers Champions and Carers Wakefield & District to deliver a very informative event on how employers can support members og their team that also have responsibilities to care for family members or companions who have special care needs.  This could be an elderly relative, a child with special care needs, a neighbour that has no one to support or a partner with an illness.

We explored the definition of a “Working Carer”: Carers are employees with caring responsibilities that have an impact on their working lives. These employees are responsible for the care and support of relatives or friends who are older, disabled or seriously ill who are unable to care for themselves.  We then discussed what support is available for working carers and what an employer can do to put measures in place to support and retain there staff who have these extra responsibilities and duties.

It was a very emotive event with lots of personal stories shared in honest, open conversations.  We definitely felt that a whole morning just wasn’t long enough as conversation flowed, we shared, we listened and we learnt!

Thank you to all that attended and shared their experiences.

If you would like any further information about the support that is available for individuals or for employers, please get in touch with Christine Edge at Working Carers Champions: Working Carer – Working Carers Champions