Supporting working carers and their employers

Bury Council has been awarded Government financial backing to support working carers and their employers.

This 18-month research pilot is one of only ten funded projects across England, and aims to help carers to balance their work and caring responsibilities.

What is available to carers?

• A free 12-month pilot to support working carers through the use of assistive technology.
• Assistance to carers to help them access support, services and information.

What assistive technology is available?

• Kitchen accessories to help people with weakness or arthritis in their hands.
• Medication dispensers with alarms to remind someone to take their medication on time.
• Door alarm sensors or a wander alert to notify you if the person you care for is moving around unexpectedly.
• Fall sensors.
• Bogus Caller Button.
• Smoke alarms for the hearing impaired.

What is available to employers?

• Support and guidance to local employers, to better understand how to support working carers, provided by a dedicated person.
• A free 12-month pilot to support working carers through the use of assistive technology.

Councillor Andrea Simpson, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “In Bury, and across the country, there is a massive amount of untapped talent due to lack of support for the many thousands of people who have caring responsibilities.

“By providing help to carers and businesses, we can help individuals to fulfil their potential and help companies to retain skilled employees and increase productivity.”

For further information please call 0161 253 6140 or email carersinemployment@bury.gov.uk

ENDS

Press release issued: 1 September 2015.