With one in seven people in the workforce caring for someone who is older, disabled or seriously ill, Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to have become the second NHS Trust in West Yorkshire to achieve level 2 Carer Confident accreditation.

The accreditation from Employers for Carers (EfC) is supported by the specialist knowledge of Carers UK. It recognises that the Trust has demonstrated it is an inclusive workplace where carers are recognised, respected and supported.

Human Resources Business Partner Michelle Kinnear has led the Trust’s work to support carers. She says: “As an employer we know that some of our most skilled and experienced staff, people at the peak of their careers, are also carers. Juggling paid work and caring can present real problems so we’re pleased to have implemented measures like flexible working and our Carer Passport and thrilled to have achieved our Carer Confident accreditation.”

An independent panel of assessors judged that the Trust encourages working carers to identify themselves, provides practical support, promotes carer awareness, and makes support for carers transparent.

“It makes sense to support valuable members of staff – not least as they are often supporting local carers in turn in the course of their day-to-day work,” comments Michelle. And with Carer’s Week getting underway on Monday 5 June, the Trust has events planned to do just that.

Events for Carers Week

Carers Week is an annual awareness campaign to celebrate and recognise the contribution made by the UK’s 5.7 million carers. It also helps people who don’t think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.

Open day for carers

The Trust is holding an open day at its Carers’ Hub at Horton Park Medical Centre, BD7 3EG, on Monday 5 June, where local carers are invited to join an hour-long walk from 11.00am with a light lunch to follow at 12.15pm.

Information and guidance for carers

The Trust’s Patient Experience and Involvement team will be in the entrance to Morrisons on Worth Way, Keighley, BD21 5AE between 11.00am – 2.00pm on Tuesday 6 June and on Wednesday 7 June 10.00am – 1.00pm at The Ridge Medical Practice on Cousen Road, Bradford BD7 3JX, to provide information and guidance for anyone who needs it.

Carer Experience and Involvement Manager Lucy Raistrick says: “There are around 60,000 people across Bradford district who are known carers. This figure is likely to be higher as there are many people, particularly young carers, who are ‘hidden’ or whose role is not identified by services.

“Carers week is a great opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate the work our carers do in the community and for their loved ones. We’re looking forward to getting out and about, helping to raise the profile of the vital work which carers do day-in, day-out, often without recognition.”

Find out more about support for local carers.