training | Carer Support Wiltshire

Carers cite their caring role as barrier to employment

February 22, 2016 by Jules Stanbridge Leave a Comment

In a recent study by Carer Support Wiltshire, half of all carers of a working age would like to increase the amount they work. 64% of those wanting to increase the amount they work were currently not taking steps to improve their situation, mainly because of their current emotional state, but also partly because of a lack of knowledge.

Two thirds of those wanting to increase the amount they work cited their caring role as the main barrier to employment. The lack of access to affordable care (for adults and children, including for children in the family without long term conditions) was commented on by many, and it is clear that support in how to find and access care, including funding for care, needs to be part of the Pathways To Work service which Carer Support Wiltshire is seeking to develop.

In terms of other areas of support needed by carers wishing to work more, this included:

advice on careers and training
help via telephone and email in CV writing and job hunting
support groups to help with job hunting, application and interview skills
access to computer skills courses
volunteering and placement opportunities
help with setting up and marketing your own business

This last area of support might also be useful to some carers who want to reduce the amount they work and who currently run their own business, where taking on an employee is seen as a barrier.

About 38% of carers of working age surveyed are currently not engaging in any paid work. A significant minority of carers, 16% of those responding, would like to reduce the amount they work, to improve their work life balance or devote more time to caring. Whilst not being able to do without the money is the main barrier for many in this situation, a quarter also feel that their job would be at risk if they requested a reduction in hours. This reality further illustrates the need for Working For Carers, to make employers more carer aware and carer friendly in their employment policies.

To find out about Working For Carers click here.

You can see the full results of our survey here: Survey of carers of working age 201601 report

Could you become a trustee for Carer Support Wiltshire?

October 30, 2015 by Jules Stanbridge Leave a Comment

Carer Support Wiltshire is entering a new and exciting phase in our development - building new projects and diversifying income sources in our goal of ensuring Wiltshire carers are well supported.

To help in our journey, we are looking to recruit three trustees. In particular, we are looking for people with skills in finance, fundraising/business development, and marketing and public relation.

And, we are extremely interested in applicants from a wide variety of working, geographical and cultural backgrounds and would welcome applications from anyone who believes they can contribute meaningfully to the strategic decision-making of the organisation.

If you would like to find our more, you can download an information pack here.

Make your voice heard on Carers Rights Day on November 20

October 18, 2015 by Jules Stanbridge Leave a Comment

We’re asking everybody to back Carers Rights Day on November 20 and we’re giving you the chance to put your questions to a panel of opinion formers.

Each year, Carers UK organises Carers Rights Day, to bring organisations across the UK together to help carers in their local community know their rights and find out how to get the help and support they are entitled to.

At Carer Support Wiltshire, we’ll take over Devizes Town Hall on November 20, where from 10am – 12.15pm you’ll get the chance to put questions to a panel (including representatives from the council, legal experts, CAB and local politicians), followed by a chance to speak individually to panel members.

You can come along on the day, but if you’d like to put a question in advance, or register your interest, please call us on freephone 0800 181 4118 or 01380 871690

Let’s tell everybody the facts about caring:

Every year, more than 2 million people take on a new caring role. Many struggle to navigate the maze of services and entitlements, and miss out on financial and practical support as a result. And it’s not just people who are new to caring – even those who have been caring for years sometimes aren’t aware of all their entitlements.

Caring can bring all kinds of challenges. We want every carer to know where to turn for advice, information and support, whether in their local community or online.

Carers Rights Day raises awareness of the needs of carers with the public, decision makers and professionals, helping us realise our vision of a society that respects, values and supports carers.

Carers cite their caring role as barrier to employment

Could you become a trustee for Carer Support Wiltshire?

Make your voice heard on Carers Rights Day on November 20

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