Mental Health Awareness Week
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This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and this year the focus has been on loneliness. We know from speaking with carers at Signpost that caring can often make you feel isolated and like no one else understands.
Research from Employers for Carers (Carers UK) has shown that 7 in 10 working carers have felt lonely or isolated as a result of their caring responsibilities. Being comfortable having the conversation with a manager or colleague can be a huge help in combating isolation and carers who receive support from line managers and colleagues reported feeling less isolated in the workplace.
Here are our top tips for dealing with loneliness as a working carer:
- Speak to your line manager (if you have one) about your caring role. The Carers Trust have some tips on how to approach this conversation here.
- Find out if your organisation has a Staff Carers Network and if they don't, suggest starting one up. Signpost would be happy to help any organisation in Stockport set up a carers network. An employee network can be both a source of information for carers, a way to raise awareness amongst colleagues and also provide an opportunity for peer support.
- Reach out to us at Signpost. We can be contacted on 0161 442 0442 and calls can be arranged outside the traditional 9-5 working hours if you would struggle to chat during the day. Just email rebecca@signpostforcarers.org.uk if you'd like to arrange a time to talk that works around your schedule.
- Speak to other working carers at our meet-ups. Even if your job and caring situation is totally different, chances are you will find common ground when meeting with other carers. At the working carers meet-ups we've chatted about the struggles of balancing caring around work, missing out on office drinks, a lack of understanding from colleagues and how good it felt to be told, "don't use up your annual leave on medical appointments, your annual leave is for you to take a break!" You can read more about our regular meet-ups below.
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6th - 12th June is Carers Week and we have a number of activities planned such as a Jubilee Tea Party, information sessions on Your Rights as a Carer and a working carers Sunday Brunch. Check out our Activity Link brochure for all these activities here.
We are also pleased to be organising a lunchtime session on Wednesday 8th June aimed at line managers, business owners, HR or Diversity & Inclusion staff or anyone else responsible for employee wellbeing. The event will highlight ways that unpaid carers can be better supported at work (and in the recruitment process).
Most recipients of this newsletter work within Stockport (or know someone that does!) so please do pass on the invitation link to anyone who may be interested in attending and learning more about supporting carers in work.
We are also keen to hear from a working carer who is willing to say a few words about their experiences of working and caring, whether it be a positive or negative experience. If this is something you would be interested in taking part in, please email rebecca@signpostforcarers.org.uk
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Just a reminder about our monthly activities for working carers. You're welcome to join and the first drink is on us!
Every month:
- Sunday Brunch Club - Meet-ups take place one Sunday a month, 10.30am – 12.30pm and the location varies across Stockport.
Next one: Sunday 22nd May – Rock Salt, Heaton Moor
- Working & Caring monthly meet-up - taking place on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, 5-8pm at Berretto Lounge in Redrock.
Next one: Wednesday 15th June
- Caring & Careers monthly meet-up - taking place on the last Thursday of the month from 11am-12pm on Zoom. This is aimed at people thinking about returning to work or changing jobs.
Next one: Thursday 26th May
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There are a number of resources and events that may be useful for those of you thinking about returning to work, changing jobs or even setting up your own business or charity. A selection will be featured each month, below.
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Stay Nimble: Free Career Coaching for Over 50s
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The Greater Manchester Combined Authority have joined up with Stay Nimble, experts in online career coaching, to offer Greater Manchester over 50s the opportunity to get support in any aspect of their work lives.
With dedicated coaching time, you will have help to understand your strengths and skills, build confidence and be inspired to explore future career goals.
Eligibility applies, but you can find out more on the Stay Nimble website.
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Gaining employment when you have SEND (special educational needs and disabilities)
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16th - 22nd May is the Stockport SEND week of action and there are lots of things planned, whether you are a parent/carer, young person or a professional working with SEND people and we wanted to highlight the following online session:
Gaining Employment when you have SEND – Steps to Work
Tuesday 17th May, 6.30pm - 7.30pm
An information session on assisted employment programmes to support young people with additional needs into work. A session designed for parents, carers and young people.
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