Carers’ Rights Day 2018

Today is Carers’ Rights Day, an annual awareness day held to bring organisations across the UK together in support of carers.

The aim of the day is to help raise awareness of the needs of carers, make those who care for others aware of their rights, and let them know where they can get the help and support they are entitled to. 

Unpaid carers are people of any age who look after friends or family members who need help due to a mental health issue, disability, illness or addiction. Last year, analysis from the Office for National Statistics suggested that the social care provided by unpaid carers in the UK is worth a staggering £57bn.

Every day 6,000 people across Britain become carers but more often than not, it’s not something they have planned for. Having the right information at the right time can make all the difference when you’re looking after someone.

People change lead and chair of our Parents & Carers steering group, Wendy Davies, said: ‘Colleagues can click here to access a new carers’ handbook that has been developed alongside the MS Society.

‘While the guide is designed to support people caring for someone with advanced multiple sclerosis (MS), the advice and support provided is valuable to all carers. The handbook includes a section on caring when you are in work and discusses flexible working, carers’ networks, carers’ leave, legal rights and speaking to your employer about your caring responsibilities.

‘The aim and purpose of the Parents & Carers steering group is to promote a culture of inclusiveness and enable colleagues who care for others to work effectively on a day-to-day basis while fulfilling their caring responsibilities.

‘We would love more colleagues, particularly across the operation, to be more involved with the network, either as a friend or buddy and help us share positive stories of some of the great things we are doing not only to support our colleagues, but also to help people understand where they can access help and support.

‘Colleagues who have registered with myroyalmail.com can access our “At a glance” employment policy summaries on flexible working, being a parent, and shared parental leave.’

Parents & Carers

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Please visit the Parents & Carers steering group homepage to read more about the work the group is doing, and access a range of resources available to support you if you are caring for others.

If you would like to share your story, learn more or get involved, please contact us at parents.and.carers@royalmail.com.