One-in-nine people in the workplace in Cumbria are also Unpaid Carers, though their work colleagues may be unaware and therefore unable to provide the support and understanding that can ease the daily stress and pressure.
Without support 1-in-5 Carers give up work because the job of juggling their work and caring responsibilities simply becomes too much -and it is a loss to their employer.
Carer Champions in the workplace
West Cumbrian Carers provide training for Carer Champions in the workplace helps organisations raise awareness of the important role unpaid carers undertake.
The training, provided by local Carers Support is available to all businesses and organisations, both public and private sector across Cumbria. Volunteers gain the skills to be a Carers Champion – who act as a voice for carers in their workplace or local community.
“West Cumbria Carers will be heavily involved in participating and supporting a wide range of activities during Carers Week. This includes participating in online sessions with local and national organizations. These activities will be an opportunity for people within their own Equality, Diversity and Inclusion networks to share how they are structured and an opportunity for people to share their experiences and how West Cumbria Carers are Collaborating with and working with organizations to promote the work of Carers within their respective communities”
Raising awareness of Unpaid Carers
West Cumbria Carers CEO, Angela Longrigg explained: “This training helps volunteers to raise awareness and promote understanding of the role of an Unpaid Carer and provides the Carers’ Champion with a certificate when they complete the course. In West Cumbria, we work with both private and public sector organisations.
A Carers Champion is aware of the stresses and strains a Carer may be facing. They understand the importance of the role of a carer and can identify the signs of someone who perhaps, unknowingly, is caring.
“The training with West Cumbria Carers provides information about the Charity and the services available to Carers.
“Attendees gain an understanding of what it means to be a Carer and some of the issues carers may face. They will also learn how to support people into taking the first step of contacting the Charity when they are ready to do so.”
Family Support Group at Sellafield Ltd
Stephen Scott, Chair of the Carers Sub Group, part of the Family Support Group at Sellafield Ltd and also a Trustee of the West Cumbria Carers board, said: “Through my own caring experience I became involved in the Carers Subgroup.
“One of the challenges people have is knowing who to turn to, to talk to for information and support. We are not here to provide a solution – there are experts for that. However, we can hear, listen, and refer people to where they can find the specific support and advice they are looking for.
“The need for caring creeps up on people quickly – be they caring for a parent, partner or child.
“There are many people in similar situations and many people are known to have cause to take time out from work early to care for their parents or partners. However, there is support available, and therefore Carers Week is so important, to have the opportunity to raise awareness about the situation Unpaid Carers face.”
Jacobs international professional & technical services
Jacobs, an international professional and technical services company with 55,000 employees worldwide, has supported Carers Week for many years.
Carers UK estimates that 1-in-6 members of staff are Unpaid Carers – and for women aged 40-45 years old that number goes up to 1-in-5.
Rachael Blake of Jacobs explains: “We want to be able to support and also raise awareness of Unpaid Carers. We have supported Carers Week across Jacobs in the past, and welcome the opportunity to collaborate with Sellafield Ltd and West Cumbria Carers.
“Working together enables us to learn from each other and also reach more people to raise awareness.
Carers Week events across Cumbria
Events and information will also be available from GP surgeries and community venues
Find out more about events taking place across Cumbria for #CarersWeek here.
If you are an Unpaid Carer contact your local support organisation:
- Carer Support South Lakeland: admin@carersupportsouthlakes.org.uk Tel: 01539 815970
- Carer Support Eden Email: enquiries@edencarers.co.uk Tel: 01768 890280
- Furness Carers Email: admin@furnesscarers.co.uk Tel: 01229 822822
- West Cumbria Carers Email: general@westcumbriacarers.co.uk, Tel 01900 821976
- Carlisle Carers Email: admin@carlislecarers.co.uk Tel: 01228 542156
