Council continues to pledge support for employees who are unpaid carers
Telford & Wrekin Council are reiterating their pledge to be a carer friendly employer as part of Carers Week 2020.
By signing the Carer Friendly Employer Pledge, the council is committing to enabling its employees to undertake their caring role alongside their work - as this can bring benefits to all involved.
There are an estimated 18,000 unpaid carers in Telford & Wrekin, many of which are balancing work and caring. Though many more may now be doing unpaid care work as a result of the pandemic.
Cllr Paul Watling, Cabinet Member for Cooperative Communities, Engagement and Partnerships, said: “Caring for someone can be hard work, but that support is indispensable to many local families and communities.
“We expect that the number of people working as unpaid carers will have increased during the pandemic.
“At a time like this is important for us as a council to reiterate our support for unpaid carers, and to say thanks for all the work you do.”
“Anyone at any level in our organisation could have a caring role at some time in their lives. So we want every council employee to know that help is available and to ask for support when needed.
“We would also encourage other organisations and employers in the borough to follow our lead and sign the Carer Friendly Employer Pledge.”
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 Paul Watling added: “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 get the help that carers 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 if they could be an unpaid carer never regret it.”
People can find out more about the Telford & Wrekin Carers Centre at http://telfordcarers.org.uk/
Carers seeking help should call the Carers Centre on 01952 240209 or email admin@telfordcarers.org.uk
