Recognising Unpaid Carers – Training by VOCAL
Midlothian TSI staff members recently took part in a bespoke Think Carer training session, delivered by VOCAL Midlothian.
VOCAL – Voice of Carers Across Lothian – is a charity that supports and empowers unpaid carers through individual support, information, training, and access to services. VOCAL work in partnership with employers across all sectors, supporting their ambitions to upskill managers and become a carer friendly workplace.
Think Carer Training Recap
The Think Carer training provided us with valuable insights into the role of unpaid carers and how to better support them. The session offered a chance to reflect on how carers are identified and the impact caregiving can have on their health & wellbeing. We explored practical tips for ensuring carers feel recognised and supported, while also considering the benefits this brings to those they care for.
Overall, the training highlighted the importance of acknowledging and supporting unpaid carers, offering tools and insight into the range of services VOCAL offers.
Supporting Carers in the Workplace
Caring responsibilities are often a hidden issue in the workplace, making it challenging for employees to seek support. In fact, one in five carers leave their jobs because balancing work with caregiving becomes overwhelming.
As the number of people with caring responsibilities continues to rise, it’s increasingly important for workplaces to create supportive environments where carers feel valued and can access the help they need to balance both roles effectively.
To address this, VOCAL partners with employers across sectors to help managers develop carer-friendly workplaces. In collaboration with VOCAL, we are hosting an Identifying and Supporting Carers at Work training session, specifically tailored for third sector leaders in Midlothian.
Join us online on Tuesday 5 November, 11:00 to increase your awareness of working carers, and how you can best support employees juggling work and care.
During this session, managers will reflect on the hidden impacts of caring and learn how to identify and support unpaid carers within their organisations.
#ProtectUnpaidCarers Campaign
The Scottish Government recently made the decision to not include unpaid carers as an eligible group for the COVID-19 vaccine in Scotland. We support VOCAL’s campaign to advocate against this decision and ensure the Scottish Government recognises the crucial role of unpaid carers. Read more about the campaign and learn how you can get involved here.
Contact
For further information on the training and support VOCAL can provide, please contact employers@vocal.org.uk.
See all of the support & services VOCAL provides on their website: www.vocal.org.uk