Celebrating OSCAR Birmingham: Recognised as a Carer Friendly Employer

Forward Carers is delighted to recognise OSCAR Birmingham with our Carer Friendly Employer Award, celebrating their commitment to identifying, valuing and supporting unpaid Carers within both their community and their workforce.

OSCAR Birmingham plays a vital role in improving the health, social and economic wellbeing of children, young people, families and adults living with Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia across Birmingham and the surrounding areas. Their work makes a meaningful difference to individuals and families, many of whom rely on the support of unpaid Carers every day.

As an organisation rooted in care, partnership and community, OSCAR Birmingham has shown a clear understanding of the important role Carers play. They have extended this commitment into their workplace by recognising staff who may also have caring responsibilities outside of work.

A key part of this approach has been the appointment of a dedicated Carers Champion, giving staff a clear point of contact for information, guidance and support. This helps ensure staff Carers feel seen, listened to and empowered to ask for support when they need it. 

Carer Champion Sonia Hussain commented:

“As OSCAR Birmingham’s Carers Champion, I am proud to help create a workplace where colleagues with caring responsibilities feel recognised, supported and able to access the help they need. We understand the valuable role unpaid Carers play, both within our communities and among our staff, and we are committed to ensuring they feel seen, heard and valued. Receiving this award is a wonderful recognition of that commitment.”  

OSCAR Birmingham demonstrates that organisations of any size can make a real impact by creating a more Carer Friendly workplace. Their approach reflects strong values of respect, inclusion and partnership, and sets a positive example for other employers across Birmingham. 

OSCAR Birmingham CEO, Hobby Rahman, understands Caring responsibilities:

“It’s important to create and foster a carer friendly environment. Employees juggle paid employment with unpaid care for a loved one which can be demanding. Having the organisational support ensures we protect staff and promote their wellbeing” 

We are proud to present this award to one of our valued partners and thank OSCAR Birmingham for their continued commitment to unpaid Carers, their staff team and the wider community.

Forward Carers Programme Manager, Rachel Close, said:

“OSCAR Birmingham has shown that small organisations can make a powerful and meaningful difference when they commit to becoming Carer Friendly. Their Carer Champion, Sonia, has brought real care, passion and dedication to the role, helping to ensure staff Carers feel recognised, supported and valued.”

Congratulations to everyone at OSCAR Birmingham on this well-deserved recognition.