After a decade of stagnation since the enforcement of the Carers Act of 2014, the Carer’s Leave Act finally came into motion this April. The new law allows the five million unpaid carers in England and Wales to take up to five days of unpaid carer’s leave per year.
But is this enough? An ageing population that is increasing the demand for care, coupled with the ever-rising cost of living and the sheer number of people juggling work with caregiving – estimated at one in seven employees in the UK – suggests not.
And let’s not forget that aside from the financial and employment impact, becoming a carer is a mentally and physically taxing experience in itself.
That’s why on this #CarersWeek, we stand with Carers UK in calling for improved awareness about the life changes and challenges carers face, and urge policymakers and politicians take steps to better support their needs. It is particularly pertinent that this year’s theme is ‘Putting Carers on the Map’. As an industry, we have a duty to do just that and the means to do so in comms, policy and PA are plentiful:
📣 Raising public awareness of the challenges faced by unpaid carers and reducing stigma by underlining their invaluable contributions to society.
ℹ️ Empowering carers with access to essential information and resources, ensuring they are incorporated within our engagement campaigns, alongside patients and HCPs.
⚖️ Advocating for unpaid carers in our policy and public affairs campaigns.
🏢 Championing carers in the workplace in internal communications.
When we combine our industry capabilities, the results can be truly impactful. John’s Campaign, launched in 2014, was built ground-up through grassroots advocacy, awareness raising, fostering voluntary adoption by healthcare institutions, and a compelling narrative. Thanks to the campaign, carers now have extended and flexible visiting rights ins hospitals and care homes.
Let’s help our unpaid carers get the recognition they deserve.
Mita Dhullipala Jordan Hodges Sarah Carter Stripe Communications Lumanity Juliet Simpson Michael Parisi Sam Barnes John Tarplee Nicola GoodmanGemma Bell
Today's theme for #CarersWeek is about work and employment.
We believe carers should be supported in the work place and recognised in their role as a carer.
We have lots of support and advice for working carers on our website read more here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eTnRm7N9
Thank you for your hard work!