Council pledges support for employees who are unpaid carers
Telford & Wrekin Council have signed a pledge to become a carer friendly employer as part of Carers Week 2018.
By signing, the council is making a commitment to support its employees to undertake their caring role alongside their work.
There are an estimated 18,000 unpaid carers in Telford & Wrekin, many of whom are balancing work and caring.
Cllr Rae Evans, Cabinet member for Customer Services, Tourism & Partnerships, said: “Carers are the unsung heroes of our community. That is why we are signing this pledge.
“Anyone at any level in our organisation may have a caring role at some time in their lives. So we want every council employee to know that help is available and to feel able to ask for support when needed.
“We would also encourage other organisations and employers in the borough to follow our lead and sign the pledge.”
By signing the pledge Telford & Wrekin Council will be taking steps to fulfil the Carers Action Plan 2018-2020 which was issued by the Government on the 5 June 2018.
Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, the challenges carers face, and to celebrate the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.
Cllr Rae Evans said: “There are many people in Telford & Wrekin who do not recognise that they are a carer and so are not getting the support they need.
“If you devote substantial amounts of time to supporting someone that cannot manage at home without help, you are a carer. Simple as that.
“Caring for someone can be enormously rewarding, but there are also times when it is physically and mentally exhausting. That’s why it is so important to reach out and provide the support that carers may need.
“I would encourage anyone who thinks they are a carer to contact Telford & Wrekin’s Carers Centre. Their advice is free, confidential and available to anyone.
“I know that people who make the step of getting in touch never regret it.”
People can find out more by visiting the Telford & Wrekin Carers Centre website.
Carers seeking help should call the Carers Centre on 01952 240209 or email admin@telfordcarers.org.uk
