When I joined Leonardo in 2020, I was a carer for my late mother who had been diagnosed with vascular dementia and later with lung cancer, as well as for my late nan who had heart issues and developed Alzheimer’s in the latter stages of her life. The Carers Network was my safe space; it was nice to speak to people in similar situations, let off some steam and get advice. The network has carers at all levels of the business and from all backgrounds.
My role as a carer ended in 2021, when my mum passed away, but I have continued to be part of the Carers Network. This has enabled me to support my predecessor Anne, and share my experiences and knowledge with other colleagues who have caring responsibilities.
Overcoming loneliness
Caring can be quite lonely, so I know just how valuable it is to have the opportunity to connect with other carers and to understand more about how we can support one another. It’s why our monthly drop-in virtual drop-in sessions called ‘Care for a Cuppa’ are such a regular and core part of the network’s activities. These provide a safe space where our members have a chance to catch up with colleagues across the UK who are also carers, to talk through issues or successes which they have had and offer their knowledge and support.
Building a supportive and inclusive working environment
During the past 12 months, the Carers Network played an active role in Leonardo achieving Carer Confident Level 1 Active accreditation. The Carer Confident scheme is run by Employers for Carers and assists employers in building a supportive and inclusive workplace for staff who are or will become carers, and to make the most of the talents that carers can bring to the workplace. Leonardo has proven that it is aware of the carers in its workforce and allows access to support in the workplace to help them with their work and caring responsibilities.
Challenges faced by unpaid carers
While last year’s Carers Week focused on putting carers on the map – and prompted us to map out where in the UK our network’s members held caring responsibilities – this year’s theme is 'Caring About Equality', which highlights the inequalities faced by the UK's 11.9 million unpaid carers, including a greater risk of poverty, social isolation, and poor mental and physical health.
Throughout the week, our Carers Network is organising a series of activities addressing different aspects of caring, including physical/mental health, social care, financial wellbeing, employment, young carers and older carers. We will also be raising awareness of carers’ statutory rights, such as unpaid carer’s leave and flexible working, as well as addressing the issue of carers who are at risk of poverty isolation and health issues, directing people towards information about the benefits Leonardo itself offers such as special paid leave and emergency backup care.
