OXFORDSHIRE CROSSROADS’ Post

Caring is such a crucial profession and yet it is a highly challenging career path. Being a carer is: ⏳ Long hours and always having to adapt to new situations 💷 Pay that isn't always competitive (in some cases, you don't earn anything if you are a carer for a family member.) 🕯 Physical and emotional burnout. It is important for you as a carer to know your rights. Neglecting yourself as a carer may have long-term effects on your wellbeing. As per the image from Carers UK , you have a right to unpaid carer's leave, to request flexible working, to ask your gp to identify you as a carer , to request a flu jab, to request protection against discrimination or harassment, to request a carer's assessment and to be consulted when the person you care for is discharged from hospital. We highly encourage carers to check out Spokz people's latest module about caring on our website : https://lnkd.in/dZVxmBFR 🖼 Image description A red and white background with a red lense zooming in on bullet points sharing all rights carers can request in the UK. There is a little red logo with a white megaphone that states "carers rights day".

You might wonder why I put Parent/Carer as the first thing on my LinkedIn profile. It's specifically to honour the dedication, time and effort that being a Carer involves; and in my case it happens to be for my kid. The level of care my child needs for their disabilities is above and beyond the typical care a child their age would need. It's not something most organisations want to focus on (or think about it) and it's not typically what I would be booked to talk about - it's not of high importance to the 'bottom line' and it's also not very interesting or glamorous to be a Carer - but it's of great importance to people in the workplace. 1 in 7 people in the workplace are juggling work and caring for someone and there are over 5 million unpaid carers in the UK (all stats from Carers UK in this post). If we want to build more compassionate, inclusive, accommodating and supportive organisations and networks in our society, we really need to engage with and celebrate the people who are caring alongside their work. And with 600 people per day leaving work to care, it would make sense to attempt to create ways for them to stay in work on a more flexible and accommodating basis. Because these are people with skills, expertise and levels of compassion and understanding you want to be working within your company, and playing active roles in society. They are also often people who will lose themselves through caring, which can have enormous financial, emotional and mental impact. I have had to find ways of working to occupy my brain, feed my soul, give me purpose and earn income that don't impact too heavily on the role I have to play for my kid and my ability to support her. So, that's why I see Parent/Carer as my main role - it informs everything I do and I am incredibly proud to identify as a Carer (and so very, very tired, a lot of the time).

With both an ageing population and individuals of all ages with more complex needs that require additional social care support, there is an increasing requirement to recruit and retain staff in the adult social care sector. In Hertfordshire alone, we currently need to recruit around 4,000 paid carers each year. The Good Care Campaign is about celebrating the great work you and your staff do each and every day and sharing it via the campaign. It is your chance to engage and inspire the public to consider social care as a great career choice and recruit more people to work for you. We are campaigning to raise the profile of the social care sector and to promote the great career opportunities and progression available to those who choose a career in social care. #BeTheChangeInCare #CareRevolution #TransformingCare #CaringForChange #ChangeMakersInCare #CareWithPurpose #ChangeTheCareGame #CareInnovation #EmpoweredCare #CareForTheFuture #friends #family #team #life #therapy #nurselife #healthcare #wellness #treatment #community #support #homecare #relax #careerdevelopment #diploma #leadershipdevelopment #careeradvice #career #careergoals #recruitment

✨ Why Choose JPH? ✨Personalised Care Plans: We understand that every individual has different needs and preferences. That's why we craft customised care plans to ensure you receive the specific support you require. #personalisedcare #socialcare #weareJPH #homecare #weareJPH #carers #supportworkers #greatermanchester

Support for Carers: Essential Networks You Should Know About Caring for someone with a disability is a rewarding journey, but it also comes with unique challenges. For the carers who provide this invaluable support, connecting with networks and resources can make a world of difference. Here are two key support networks offering practical help, community, and guidance. Carers Australia As the national body representing Australia’s carers, Carers Australia is dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of carers across the country. They offer an array of resources, including mental health support, financial guidance, and peer networking. Carers Australia is also instrumental in advocating for policies that recognise and uplift carers, helping ensure they’re supported and valued in their critical role. Carer Gateway Carer Gateway provides an easy-to-access portal of resources and services designed specifically for carers. Through this platform, carers can find practical information on respite care, emergency planning, and self-care tips. The gateway also offers a national hotline and tailored support packages, making it a go-to for both urgent assistance and ongoing support. Why Carer Networks Matter Whether you’re new to caregiving or a seasoned carer, connecting with networks like these provides essential support, reduces isolation, and builds resilience. These organisations empower carers with the resources they need, ensuring they feel supported while they continue to give so much. If you’re a carer, know that you’re not alone. Reach out, connect, and take advantage of the valuable resources available to you. #iCoordinateCare #CarerSupport #DisabilityCare #CarersAustralia #CarerGateway #CommunitySupport #EmpoweredCarers #NDIS

🌟 It's Carers Rights Day! 🌟 Each year over 250,000 people give up work to care - the equivalent of 600 resignations per day. For those remaining in the workforce, unsupported caring can result in poorer mental health, with Carers UK finding that over 70% of working carers had felt lonely or isolated in the workplace due to caring responsibilities. Our wonderful Business Analysis Practice Lead Gavin Austin spoke to us about the importance of having a supportive workplace when being a carer: "Thankfully my team, colleagues and in particular my manager have been very understanding of the situation, such as allowing me to dial into meetings on the days I'm working from my parents when the preference was for people to attend in person, or needing to drop off calls/meetings to attend to dad unexpectedly. These little things, make a big difference." - Gavin Austin. The theme this year is to recognise the rights of carers, we’re delighted to take this step to recognise the carers within our own people 💙 #CarersRightsDay #RightsForCarers

Today, November 21st,  is Carer's Rights Day. According to Carers UK, 6 million people in the UK are unpaid carers, half of whom are working, half of whom are not. 600 people make the difficult decision to give up work due to their caring responsibilities every day in the UK. 10-15% of Making Work Work alumni are carers for adults. Of the 75-80% of women who have been through Making Work Work programmes who are mums, 15% of these mums care for a disabled child or a child with additional support needs. Many are of the so-called sandwich generation, caring for their children as well as their parent(s).   Many carers want to work, but need to find employers who understand the skills and talent they can offer, but also the reality of their personal and family commitments.   The Carers Leave Act which came into law in April 2024 provided for the right to unpaid leave. Many employers go further than their statutory obligations. The Carer Positive standard showcases employers who support their employees who are unpaid carers. If you are an unpaid carer, make sure you know your rights. The six Scottish national carers organisations and a plethora of local carers centres can help you. If you would like to share how your employer supports you to manage caring for an older, disabled or chronically ill relative or friend, please do below.  #CarersRightsDay #UnpaidCarers #flexibleworking

This week, we honour the incredible contributions of unpaid carers who tirelessly support their loved ones. Unpaid carers often juggle multiple roles, making personal and professional sacrifices to provide essential care. Carers are individuals who provide unpaid care and support to family members, friends, or neighbours who have a disability, chronic illness, mental health condition, or need extra help as they grow older. This care can be provided in various forms, including physical care, emotional support, and assistance with daily activities. At the National Centre for Diversity, we recognise the vital role carers play in our communities and workplaces. We stand with them, advocating for better support and understanding from employers and society. The State of Caring Survey revealed that almost 40% of UK carers have left their jobs to provide care, and 22% have taken a reduction in working hours. Combining paid work with caring responsibilities can be a careful balancing act, at the National Centre for Diversity encourage employers to consider to flexible working arrangements to accommodate a broad range of needs beyond the workplace. To all the carers out there, thank you for your resilience and compassion. 🌷 #CarersWeek #SupportCarers #ProudtobeFREDIE #InclusiveWorkplaces 

On Carers Rights Day (21st November 2024), we honour the incredible dedication of parent and family carers of children with disabilities, especially those who often go unseen and unacknowledged - our unpaid carers. This day is a reminder that all carers deserve to be supported, respected, and valued for their role. Carers have the legal right to: - Request flexible working (under the Employment Rights Act 1996) if you are an employee and have been with your employer for at least 26 weeks. This can include working from home, adjusting hours, or changing the pattern of working time to balance caring responsibilities. - Carer’s Allowance (under the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992), which provides a weekly payment to carers who care for someone for at least 35 hours a week and meet certain eligibility criteria. - A Carer's Assessment (under the Care Act 2014), which means local authorities must assess the needs of the carer and determine what support might be needed, including respite care or financial support. - Rights to support in employment under the Equality Act 2010, which protects carers from discrimination and gives them the right to request changes to their working conditions if they are balancing work with caring responsibilities. - Access to Health and Social Care Services (under the Care Act 2014 and NHS policy), including access to free health checks, mental health support, and carer support services. At Yusra Jinaan Foundation, we stand with you in your journey. Whether it’s advocating for better support, connecting you with resources, or simply being a listening ear, we are here to help you realise your rights and potential. Let’s take a moment to celebrate all that carers do and ensure they get the recognition and rights they deserve. 💙 What does recognising your rights as a carer mean to you? Share your thoughts below! ⬇️ #CarersRightsDay #RecogniseYourRights #UnpaidCarers #CarerSupport #FamilyCarers #ParentCarers #DisabilityRights #CaringForCarers #InclusiveCommunities

Did you know, some of your employees might be providing unpaid care? It’s estimated that one in seven UK workers are juggling their employment and being an unpaid carer. Unpaid (or informal) carers are anyone who provides care for a relative or friend who is ill, disabled, or elderly without financial compensation. They play a key role in the health and care system, and it’s estimated that around 5.7 million people in the UK take on caring responsibilities, ensuring their loved ones maintain their independence, health, and wellbeing. Interestingly, many of these carers are women (59%), highlighting a significant gender disparity in caregiving responsibilities. However, these responsibilities can be taxing on an unpaid carer’s mental and physical health. 60% of carers report a long-term health condition or disability compared to 50% non-carers. It’s important to consider informal carers as patients in their own right, ensuring they have support to protect their health and wellbeing. What can employers do to support? Supporting unpaid carers in the workplace is crucial for both employee wellbeing and the workplace. Here are some key strategies employers can implement: ⚪ Flexible working hours: Allow carers to adjust their work schedules to accommodate their caregiving duties. ⚪ Remote working options: Enable carers to work from home, reducing the stress of commuting and providing more time to care for their loved ones. ⚪ Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Offer counselling and support services specifically tailored to the unique challenges faced by carers. ⚪ Carer support networks: Create internal support groups where carers can share experiences and advice, fostering a supportive community within the workplace. The Carer's Leave Act 2023 is a landmark legislation that provides employees with up to five days of unpaid leave per year to fulfill caring responsibilities for a ‘dependant’ who has a physical or mental illness, a disability, or needs care due to old age. This act ensures that carers do not have to choose between their job and their caregiving duties, promoting a more inclusive and supportive work environment. Unpaid carers are unsung heroes and by recognising and addressing their unique needs, employers can create a more compassionate and productive workplace that supports them in balancing employment and caring responsibilities. #UnpaidCarers #WorkplaceSupport #FlexibleWorking #CarersLeaveAct #EmployeeWellbeing