More organisations join Carer Friendly Communities Initiative
Forward Carers is committed to creating Carer Friendly Communities. We’re on a mission to encourage organisations, businesses, health care trusts and individuals to recognise family Carers and take practical steps to make a positive difference to the lives of Carers.
Following the success of Forward Carers Carer Friendly Business Awards last November, a number of organisations and businesses have realised the value in recognising and acknowledging unpaid Carers. Businesses can benefit from Forward Carers FREE advertising and attract more customers and increase sales by making small changes to becoming Carer Friendly. What’s more, organisations who offer flexible working patterns to employed family carers will notice an increase in productivity and staff retention. We are all facing challenging times, we want to help ensure that organisations are economically stable, help ease the stress of being a carer and together create carer friendly communities.
We are thrilled to welcome the following organisations to Carer Friendly Communities.
Age Concern Birmingham, Aquarius, Birmingham Mind and Headway Birmingham & Solihull – who are actively supporting Carers across the city under the Birmingham Carers Hub partnership. They are also committed to ensuring staff who also have caring responsibilities understand the support available and are able to have open conversations with line managers.
DigiKick CIC – is an advocate of digital inclusion and works alongside NNS Selly Oak to run a series of interactive sessions to enable more people to get online.
Our Place Sutton Coldfield – is committed to supporting individuals and families to make positive changes in their lives, this also includes staff members who are caring for someone.
UHB NHS Foundation Trust – is committed to ensuring that all staff who are caring for someone can access support, via peer-to-peer network supports, or during conversations with line managers. UHB also supports the local community through their Carer Coordinators team. Carer Coordinators ensure that Carers are recognised across the trust as key partners in patient care and raise awareness of Carers needs via a training programme to staff members. In addition, UHB delivers the Partner in Care card which is in partnership with Birmingham Carers Hub.
Moor Green Lane Medical Centre and St Helliers Medical Centre – both value and recognise Carers within their local community, both practices have an active Carer’s Register and are committed to ensuring those Carers who support their patients are included in conversations. Carers can access additional support via regular health checks and the flu jab.
Reset Wellbeing Project – Joined us to gain insight into Carers by offering a health and wellbeing programme. Carers very often neglect their own health but by taking time to commit to a healthier lifestyle means that carers are able to ensure they can continue to care for someone healthier and happier.
Birmingham Open Media – joined us to ensure staff wellbeing is at the forefront of their service, BOM is dedicated to positive social impact in all that they do and in turn ensure that Carers visiting their galleries and café are welcomed and offered a moment of peace whilst enjoying a 15% discount off the menu.
Rush Trampoline Parks – one of the first businesses to sign up to our Carer Friendly Communities programme , offering discounts and sensory sessions for families.
Square Peg Activities LTD – offers a range of support for families who are caring for a child with additional needs. With their sensory gardens located in Boldmere, Sutton Coldfield, they are able to offer a listening ear and support.
Sunrise of Edgbaston – recognises and welcomes family members who are still caring for their loved ones who are residents at Sunrise. Peer to peer support groups have been developed as well as sessions that are available to the wider community.
Winterbourne House and Gardens – is a stunning secluded oasis in the midst of the city who is offering free entry to Carers. The gardens are still open for visitors to take a socially distanced walk and have breath of cool refreshing air.
Nicholls Brimble Bhol – is one of our award winners (as shown in the photograph), who has taken huge steps to support its workforce. For employees who also provide care to someone, flexible hours and ongoing support and commitment is offered by the law firm while also ensuring the demands of work are met. Nicholls Brimble Bhol is a solicitor’s with community support close to their hearts, offering free awareness sessions in partnership with Forward Carers along with 10% discount for Carer Friendly Card holders.
South and City College Birmingham – has shown a commitment to ensuring staff, students and visitors have a better understanding of the needs of Carers following their award- winning achievement.
Hair by Shabnam – recognises the struggle parent carers have whilst visiting the hairdressers. Shabnam’s flexibility and understanding is the reason she also holds a Carer Friendly Business Award.
How join our Carer Friendly Communities Programme
If your business or organisation wants to receive FREE ADVERTISING, wants to be recognised and celebrated for the work you do and support your workforce and local community, then get in touch with us. You will get access to a dedicated library of resources, get a free welcome pack and sticker and more importantly information and advice on how you can improve the support you currently offer. You can find out more here and to contact us email Carerfriendly@forwardcarers.org.uk
Lunchtime Networking Opportunity
To find out more about Carer Friendly Communities and how others are supporting their caring workforce, come along to our networking event on 25 February from 12.30 till 1.30pm.
There will be an opportunity to network with others whilst gaining valuable insight on how small changes can improve the health and wellbeing of your staff. To join this free event, register here.
