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Working & Caring
November 2021
Welcome to the November edition of Working & Caring!

November is a busy month for us at Signpost and we've been preparing for Carers Rights Day on 25th November. You can read more about how Signpost is taking part below. Before then it's Self-Care Week (15th - 21st November) and I would recommend taking some time to watch Sara Challice's video on YouTube here. Former carer and author Sara shares her story and her tips on looking after yourself whilst looking after a loved one.

During Self-Care Week we have a number of activities organised for carers who would like (and are able) to spend some time on themselves. Activities taking place that week include a former carers meet-up, a creative writing group, a nature walk at Etherow Country Park, an art group, an evening drink in Reddish, an LGBT+ support group and our monthly working carers evening meet-up which you can read more about below. As always, all our activities can be found on our website here and we'd love to see you there.

I've continued to have a number of conversations with carers in the last month who have been struggling with balancing work alongside their caring role. This has been exacerbated for a number of people who've been required to return to the office (or other place of work) having worked at home during the pandemic. Caring situations change over time and a number of people I've spoken to have a different circumstance now to before the pandemic and are struggling to get support from work. Please let me know if you're struggling and would like to talk. Sometimes having someone else to bounce ideas off, or even to share your worries with, can make a difference.

Best wishes,

Rebecca
Work With Us Co-ordinator

Your work

Carers Rights Day - Thursday 25th November 
This year's Carers Rights Day campaign will focus on raising awareness of the rights that unpaid carers have. The pandemic has had a massive impact on the lives of carers, affecting access to services, the ability to juggle work and care and much more. That's why it’s more important than ever that carers are aware of what they have the right to.

This Carers Rights Day, we want to empower carers with information and support, so they can feel confident asking for what they need. We also want carers to know how to challenge things when their rights are not being met.

Signpost activities:

Signpost will be taking part in this year's Carers Rights Day by offering two sessions to support carers with their legal rights. Shane Flannery from Clifford Johnson & Co. Solicitors will be presenting the benefits of looking into legal matters before they're needed. As well as a presentation, there will also be the opportunity to ask general questions. By the end you will know your legal rights when it comes to Lasting Power of Attorney and Wills.

Times and venues:

I (Rebecca) will be attending both sessions and am happy to chat with carers afterwards about workplace issues, including your rights as a working carer.

To book a place on one of these sessions and to give us an idea of numbers, please email us on carersconnect@signpostforcarers.org.uk or call 0161 442 0442.
Find out more

Your rights as a working carer
This time last year we launched Signpost's three year employment project, Work With Us, with an online Zoom event. Emma Fay from HR Dept gave an overview of carers' rights in the workplace. We covered:
  • Flexible working
  • Emergency Dependents Leave
  • Unpaid parental leave
  • The Equality Act 2010
Download the event notes to read more
Know your rights

You're at work: What if your mum walks into traffic?
It was great to see working and caring highlighted by the BBC earlier this week in a report which detailed one carer's experience during a job interview. Zoe from Bristol cares for her mum who has Alzheimer's and is in remission from cancer. Zoe was quizzed during a job interview about how she would deal with certain issues such as: "what would you do if your mother walked into traffic while you were at work?" She came away feeling stunned and that, as a carer, she had less to give as an active member of the workforce. She also explained how she'd had a mixed experience when it came to employers - something that is echoed by carers we speak to in Stockport.

The article also shines a light on employer Aviva who are amongst a growing number of firms taking action to make sure unpaid carers are supported at work. The insurance company gives its workforce up to 70 hours in paid carers' leave and encourages managers to accommodate flexible working requests. 
Read the article

Don't forget...
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 - taking place on the 1st Sunday of the month, 10.30am - 12.30pm and the location will vary.
    Next one: Sunday 7th November at Sykes Bistro in Reddish
  • Working & Caring monthly meet-up - taking place on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, 5-8pm at Berretto Lounge in Redrock.
    Next one: Wednesday 17th November
  • 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 25th November (Carers Rights Day)
Find out more

Your future
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.

Accelerated Step into Work Programme (Healthcare)
The NHS have a new Step into Work course for unemployed people over 30 years old.

Working in partnership with Department of Work and Pensions, this is a virtual pre-employment programme, designed for adults who are currently unemployed and interested in learning more about the NHS, exploring career pathways into healthcare. The five day programme aims to prepare participants to increase their employability skills, provide healthcare knowledge and skills to apply for organisational roles.

Takes place: 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th November, 10am - 3pm
Download the poster

Essential Digital Skills Qualification
This qualification is designed for those who have basic digital skills and are looking to improve their digital literacy. The Essential Digital Skills qualification will help you gain confidence in the digital skills needed for life and work.

Takes place: Monday 15th November to Friday 26th November, 9.30am - 3pm
Download the poster
If there is anything you think other carers would enjoy reading or find helpful in future newsletters, please get in touch.

This newsletter has been produced by Signpost Stockport for Carers as part of the Work With Us project.
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