‘Our new normal’
Throughout this week’s Carer’s Week, we have been sharing the stories of colleagues, who like the estimated 4.5m other people in the UK, have had to become unpaid carers as a direct result of the ongoing pandemic.
We hope that these insights into the challenges and responsibilities unpaid carers face each and every day, but particularly during these difficult times, looking after older, disabled or seriously ill relatives, help to inspire others and raise awareness of the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.
Not only is Carer’s Week a national celebration of carers, it is also an opportunity to help people, who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities, to identify as carers and access much-needed support.
‘Adapting to our new normal’ - service development manager, Mark Riley
‘My manager and I have regular chats via Skype, which enables us to chat, offer support and understanding, whilst also enabling us both to blow off steam and vent any frustrations we have,’ said Mark. ‘This is extremely useful when working in isolation or remotely as it helps with any mental health issues, which could be developing under the surface.
‘Since the pandemic forced the country into lockdown, my circumstances have changed dramatically, and my day-to-day will no longer be the same as it was. I am the carer to my partner, who has been classified as a vulnerable person and was initially told to self-isolate for 12 weeks.
‘Trying to balance my day around being a parent, a carer for my partner, and helping my 77-year-old self-isolating mum, all while continuing to work, certainly has its challenges. My working day usually starts at 6.15 while everyone is in bed. This allows me a good couple of hours to get things done. I can then pop in to see my partner throughout the day. This routine enables me to continue to work, while checking that everything is OK with my partner and keeping her well fed and watered. It also allows me the necessary breaks I need away from my computer and some social time with her.
‘Shopping has completely changed and is now entirely done online. Every item has to be wiped down with disinfectant before being allowed into the house. This has become our new normal.
‘Life within my household, and particularly for my partner and I for the foreseeable future, is going to be completely different, as we continue working on finding that new normal. I take comfort in the fact however, that if my circumstances change, I know that all I have to do is pick up the phone and speak to my manager.’
Parents and carers
Many of our people balance parental and caring responsibilities with their career. Our Parents & Carers steering group advocates for carers and offers support to those who need it.
We aim to help colleagues with caring responsibilities balance these duties with their day-to-day working life. We can help direct you to where you can obtain support with formal flexible working requests and approvals as well as advice on the types of flexible working available.
To contact the Parents & Carers steering group, please email: Parents.and.Carers@Royalmail.com. Similarly, if you would like to join the group or you have any positive stories about how you as a parent or carer have been supported by the business, please get in touch!
