Supporting carers to stay employed

News - 5 March 2015

North Somerset is one of nine areas in England to have secured funding for a two-year pilot project to help carers balance their caring role with paid employment.
Man and a Woman talking on a bench

North Somerset Council, the Crossroads Alliance and the Clinical Commissioning Group have successfully bid for £150,000 from the Department of Health to run the pilot.

There are over 15,000 carers of working age in North Somerset, higher than the national average. Carers often find it difficult to balance their caring responsibilities at home with the demands of paid work and so they reduce their hours or feel they have to give up work altogether.

This can be detrimental to the carers’ own wellbeing and a loss to businesses. It is hoped this project will support more carers who want to stay in work and will help build a stronger economy.

As part of the pilot, case workers will help carers to identify their own networks of support that could help to look after the cared-for person while they are at work. Employers will be supported to put practical measures in place, such as flexible working, to help them retain staff who are carers.

The pilot will explore how technology can be used to support carers to remain in paid employment. It also intends to use volunteers to provide ‘bespoke’ packages of support for the cared-for person while the carer is working. This could help with tasks such as taking them to essential appointments during the working day.

Carers who want to set up their own business will be able to attend a ‘pop-up’ business school. Carers will be linked into existing support services to ensure they are able to access all the help that is available to them.

It is hoped the pilot scheme will be running by May. ​ – See more at: http://www.n-somerset.gov.uk/News/Pages/Supporting-carers-to-stay-in-pa…

You might also be interested in

An older woman sitting in an arm chair and smiling. In front of her is a walking frame.

Report: time to think differently about adult social care

What matters to you if and when you need help from social care services? Local people who don't currently receive any support told us about what's important to them, both now and when they need assistance in the future.
Report
A woman and older man sitting outside and looking at a photo album together

Support for unpaid carers in North Somerset

Caring can be rewarding, but many carers need help at some point. Alliance Homes offers a range of support for carers in North Somerset, including groups and opportunities to meet other carers, and help with financial support and
benefits.
Advice and Information
A woman sitting with her hand on top of a man's hands. The man is in a wheelchair.

Report: unheard carers from minority groups in North Somerset

People from diverse, often-unheard cultural backgrounds told us about their experiences of looking after a loved one. None considered themselves to be carers, and therefore were not receiving any support from local health and social care services.
Report