Supporting working carers

A host of support services available to working carers around the University are being highlighted as part of Carers Week 2020.

The Carers Week logo. June 2020.

This year’s Carers Week takes place between Monday 8 and Sunday 14 June 2020.

It is an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the vital contribution made by the UK’s 6.5 million carers who have caring responsibilities for either one or more children, one or more disabled children, a relative or a family member.

Around 24% of staff surveyed in 2019 indicated they are working carers.

Leeds is committed to supporting the increasing number of working carers who have caring responsibilities, and Carers Week is an opportunity to remind colleagues about the support available to them.

This includes:

Carers Leeds

The University is also partnered with Carers Leeds – an independent charity which aims to improve the lives of unpaid carers in the city.

On Wednesday 10 June they will be hosting an online round table discussion from 10am to 12pm in which local employers will share lessons learned from the coronavirus (covid-19) crisis and discuss new ways of working.

Find out more information and book your place on Eventbrite.

Colleagues can also turn to Carers Leeds for support and advice:

  • Book a free and confidential telephone appointment with Carers Leeds by contacting equality@leeds.ac.uk. Upcoming appointment dates are as follows: Thursday 16 July, Wednesday 12 August and Thursday 10 September.
  • You can also call their general advice line on 0113 380 4300, available Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm.

Caring can be a hugely rewarding experience, but it can prove challenging for carers to take care of their own wellbeing whilst caring.

The impact of caring for a relative or friend should not be underestimated, as it can affect all aspects of life from relationships and health, to finances and work.

This year, many carers are facing additional challenges due to the impact of the coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic. Those looking after someone should be recognised for any difficulties they are experiencing, respected for all they are doing, and provided with information, support and understanding.

The Equality Policy Unit has more information about the support available at Leeds for staff with caring responsibilities.

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