This year, Forward Carers proudly celebrates a remarkable milestone: a decade of empowering unpaid Carers and championing Carer Friendly Communities. Since our establishment in 2014, our mission has been clear – to ensure that Carers are understood, valued, and supported in every aspect of their lives. We hope that whatever way Forward Carers has had input into your life and caring journey that it has been in a positive way.
A Decade of Dedication
Over the past ten years, Forward Carers has grown into an award-winning, not-for-profit social enterprise and Community Interest Company. By working alongside a network of trusted partners, we’ve extended our reach to provide tailored support to Carers of all ages across Walsall, Wiltshire, Dorset, Birmingham, and Dudley. Our journey has been defined by collaboration, innovation, and commitment to improving the lives of Carers.
Marking the Moment: Our 10-Year Anniversary Celebration
On 7th December, we marked this significant milestone with a celebratory event at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham. This special evening was a time for reflection and gratitude as we honoured the people and partnerships that have shaped our journey.
Simon Fenton, CEO of Forward Carers, captured the essence of our mission during the celebration:
“Building the Forward Carers team and partnership over the past ten years has meant everything to me. I’m proud of our focus on creating Carer Friendly Communities, which we deliver by having clear organisation-wide values around partnership, putting Carers at the centre, delivering on impact, and ensuring that everything we do also provides social value to the communities we serve.”
Reflecting on a Decade of Achievements
As we celebrate this milestone, we take pride in the progress we’ve made:
- Supporting More Carers: We’ve registered and supported over 41,746 unpaid Carers, providing essential resources and services that cater to their unique needs.
- Investing in Communities: Over the past decade, we’ve channelled £16.5 million into the not-for-profit sector, helping to ensure Carers have access to impactful, locally rooted support.
- Championing Carer Friendly Communities: Through our efforts, over 2,606 businesses have taken steps to become Carer Friendly, whether by offering discounts, undergoing Carer awareness training, or creating supportive workplaces.
- Making a Tangible Impact: Our support has made a real difference. After engaging with Forward Carers, 7 in 10 Carers report feeling more positive about their caring role and experiencing improved physical and mental health.
- Carers Voice Programme: Engaging nearly 1,000 Carers annually, this initiative ensures that Carer feedback informs and shapes our services. Our dedicated Carer Ambassadors play a vital role in amplifying the voices of Carers and ensuring our services remain effective.
Looking Ahead: Building on a Strong Foundation
As we enter our next chapter, we’re more committed than ever to driving positive change. Our focus on innovation and digital solutions will allow us to reach even more Carers, while our partnership-driven approach remains central to our work.
Dave Rogers, CEO of Midland Mencap and Chair of the Board at Forward Carers, reflected on our journey: “Caring is a journey – sometimes overwhelming, often deeply rewarding, and always constant. Forward Carers has been on this journey for a decade, and we’re excited to continue building Carer Friendly Communities for years to come.”
Thank You!
Our success over the past ten years would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our partners, volunteers, and, most importantly, Carers themselves. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain inspired by the resilience and dedication of unpaid Carers and are determined to ensure they receive the recognition and support they deserve.
Winter is a season of joy and celebration for many, with festivities like Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s Eve bringing families and friends together. However, for many unpaid carers, this period can be particularly challenging. The combination of financial pressures, emotional strain, and the demands of caring can make it difficult to fully participate in the season’s cheer.
Financial Pressures
Winter often brings increased expenses, from higher heating bills to the costs associated with holiday celebrations. For unpaid carers, who may already be struggling financially, these additional costs can be overwhelming. Reseach shows many carers cover the costs of care out of their own pockets, which can average around £7,200 annually – you can read more about this and other updates published by Carers UK last month here : Carers Rights Day report: Valuing Carers
There are several forms of financial support available, that can help, check if your eligible.
- Warm Home Discount Scheme: A one-off payment of £150 to help with energy bills Warm Home Discount Scheme: Overview – GOV.UK
- Cold Weather Payments: Payments made during periods of very cold weather.Cold Weather Payment: Overview – GOV.UK
- Winter Fuel Payments: Annual payments to help with heating costs. Winter Fuel Payment: Overview – GOV.UK
- Household Support Fund: Local councils can provide support for essential costs Get help with the cost of living from your local council – GOV.UK
Emotional Strain and Bereavement
The festive season can also be a poignant reminder of loved ones who have passed away. Celebrating without someone you cared for can bring up feelings of grief and loneliness. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and seek support when needed. Bereavement milestones, such as the first holiday season without a loved one, can be particularly tough.
For bereavement support, you may find these sites helpful :
- Cruse Bereavement Care: Offers support for children, young people, and adults when someone dies. They provide face-to-face, telephone, email, and website support Home – Cruse Bereavement Support
- Samaritans: Provides confidential support for anyone in distress If you’re having a difficult time | Samaritans
- Help for Heroes: Supporting Veterans and their families Home Page – Help For Heroes
Celebrating with Someone Who is I’ll or in Hospital
For Carers looking after someone who is ill or in hospital, the festive season can be a time of mixed emotions. While others are celebrating, Carers may be dealing with the realities of illness and hospital visits. If possible, find ways for yourself and the person you’re caring for to take part in these celebrations, even if it’s in a small way. Great Ormond Street hospital has some suggestions: Top tips for your stay at hospital this festive season | Great Ormond Street Hospital
Staying Connected
Isolation can be a significant issue, especially during the winter months. Staying connected with others who understand your situation can provide much-needed support. Forward Carers offers online “Kissing it Better” Zoom groups, which are free social sessions for Carers. These sessions provide an opportunity to connect, share experiences, and find support from fellow Carers. They are held every Monday and Friday at 10:30 am and Thursday at 5pm.
Whether you are celebrating or managing a difficult moment, we wish you a safe and nurturing winter break with those you care about and care for.
Protection Against Discrimination and Harassment
If you’re an unpaid Carer for an elderly or disabled person, it’s essential to know that the law recognises and protects your rights. Caring for someone with specific needs can sometimes mean facing unfair treatment or barriers in various aspects of life. Fortunately, the Equality Act 2010 offers essential protections for Carers across England, Wales, and Scotland, with similar protections under legislation in Northern Ireland. This article explains how the law shields you against discrimination and harassment, applies to your caring role, and what to do if you experience unfair treatment.
1. How Does the Law Protect Carers Against Discrimination?
Under the Equality Act 2010, unpaid Carers have legal protections against discrimination and harassment, as the law considers you to be ‘associated’ with a person who has a protected characteristic, such as age or disability. This safeguard means you cannot be treated unfairly due to your connection with the person you care for.
In Northern Ireland, Carers have similar protections under the Human Rights Act and Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act, which requires public bodies to promote equality for Carers—an important step toward building more inclusive, Carer Friendly Communities.
2. Where Could Unfair Treatment Happen?
Unfair treatment can happen in many areas, and the Equality Act protects against discrimination in:
- Employment – from job applications to workplace practices
- Education – in schools, colleges, or universities
- Housing – whether you’re buying or renting
- Goods and Services – including shops, restaurants, and public services
- Public Authorities – including councils, the NHS, and local authority schools
If discrimination occurs in any of these areas, understanding your rights is essential, as the Equality Act may provide protection against unfair treatment.
3. Protected Characteristics Under the Equality Act
The Equality Act safeguards individuals from discrimination based on specific characteristics, called “protected characteristics,” which include:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage or civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
As a Carer, you may face discrimination by association if you experience unfair treatment due to your connection with someone who has one or more of these characteristics. This is especially relevant for Carers of individuals with disabilities, as the law specifically protects against discrimination in this context.
4. Types of Discrimination
The Equality Act outlines several forms of discrimination Carers may encounter:
- Direct Discrimination: Occurs when someone is treated less favourably due to a protected characteristic, such as disability. For example, being denied a job because of your caring responsibilities could be considered direct discrimination.
- Indirect Discrimination: Refers to rules or policies that appear neutral but disadvantage people with certain protected characteristics. For instance, if a workplace policy inadvertently disadvantages Carers, it may be indirect discrimination.
- Discrimination by Association: Occurs when you’re treated unfairly because of your association with a person who has a protected characteristic. For example, if your employer treats you unfairly due to your role as a Carer for a disabled family member, it’s known as discrimination by association.
- Harassment: Includes unwanted behaviour linked to a protected characteristic that creates an intimidating, hostile, or humiliating environment. Carers may experience harassment due to their association with someone who has a protected characteristic, like disability.
5. Taking Action if You Experience Discrimination
If you believe you or the person you care for has been treated unfairly due to a protected characteristic, take these steps:
- Record the Incident: Document what happened, where, when, and any witnesses.
- Seek Advice: Organisations like Citizens Advice, Carers UK, and disability rights groups can provide guidance.
- Raise the Issue: If possible, address the matter informally with the individual or organisation involved. Open communication can often resolve issues.
- Consider Legal Action: For serious cases, consider seeking legal advice to explore formal action options.
Your Rights Matter
Discrimination and harassment can add significant challenges to an already demanding Carer role. By understanding your rights, you can better protect yourself and advocate for fair treatment. Remember, you deserve to live and work in an environment that respects your invaluable contribution. If you need support, reach out to organisations that understand Carer rights and can offer assistance.
November hosts the annual Carers Rights Day and this year it is on Thursday 21st November 2024. Over that week, there will be local and national events you can attend to learn more about your entitlement to help, advice and support. Keep your eye out for our November Newsletter to see the events Forward Carers, local councils and our partner organisations will be providing. Want to know more about this? Learn about why we have this annual awareness day and the themes for this year?
History and Importance
Carers Rights Day is an annual event in the UK that raises awareness about the rights of unpaid Carers and ensures you receive the support you deserve. With over 5.7 million unpaid Carers in the UK, many people don’t even realise they are Carers, and may be unaware of their legal rights and entitlements. This day is a vital opportunity to highlight the challenges you face and to remind everyone of the invaluable role Carers play in our communities.
Why It Matters
Understanding and asserting your rights can make a world of difference. It empowers unpaid Carers to seek the support and benefits available to you. This year, Carers Rights Day falls on 21st November 2024, with the theme “Recognising Your Rights.” The aim is to help Carers identify your rights and access support, whether that’s in the workplace, healthcare, or through social services.
Key Themes for 2024
This year’s focus is on three main areas:
- Awareness: Educating Carers about your rights, such as Carer’s Leave, the right to request flexible working, and protection from discrimination.
- Support: Encouraging Carers to access available resources, like Carer’s Assessments and support during hospital discharges.
- Advocacy: Promoting the need for better recognition and support for Carers within the community and workplace.
Upcoming Event: Recognising Your Rights as an Unpaid Carer – Carers Rights Day 2024
Mark your calendar for Carers Rights Day on 18th November at 7pm-8:30pm! This online event, themed Recognising Your Rights, is a crucial opportunity for you as an Unpaid Carer to learn about your rights and available support.
Join expert speakers as we discuss Carer’s Leave, flexible working, Carer assessments, and more—all designed to empower you in your role. From understanding GP support to navigating hospital discharges, this session will guide you through the essentials.
Wiltshire Parent Carer Council (WPCC) are inviting Wiltshire parent Carers of children/ young people aged 0-25 years with special educational needs and/ or disabilities to share their views on Wiltshire’s Short Breaks Scheme.
Wiltshire’s current Short Breaks Scheme is commissioned until 2026. To begin to inform future decisions about the scheme, WPCC and Wiltshire Council want to have conversations with as many parent Carers as possible about this scheme. Your child/ young person does not need to have accessed the scheme in the past or be currently eligible for the scheme for you to join in these conversations.
This is an important opportunity to help shape what a future short breaks scheme might look like in Wiltshire and we are encouraging as many parent Carers as possible to participate and share their views about social and leisure opportunities for their children/ young people. Young people are invited to join sessions alongside their parent Carers if they would like to.
Free tea, coffee and cake will be provided and parent Carers will be able to claim out of pocket mileage, car parking and childcare expenses incurred by attending sessions. Everyone who attends a session will be entered into a draw with the chance to win one of three £50 vouchers!
Sessions take place in September through to early October and will be held in Calne, Salisbury, Devizes and online.
Further information including details of venues can be found on the booking form. Please also click to see the flyer.