NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has been awarded ‘Carer Friendly Status’ by York Carers Centre for recognising staff members juggling their employment with caring responsibilities and pledging to support them.

This pledge includes raising carer awareness in the organisation, supporting their wellbeing and maintaining carer friendly HR management and policies, which together with work already undertaken to identify staff who are carers through a staff survey has resulted in the accreditation.

A ‘carer friendly’ workplace for employees can make a significant difference to retention and productivity, as well as improved motivation, morale and understanding amongst other colleagues.

This announcement comes during Carers’ Week 2020 (8 – 14 June 2020) which focuses on raising the visibility of carers in organisations and communities.

Michelle Carrington, the CCG’s Executive Director of Quality and Nursing said: “As an organisation we are incredibly proud to receive this accreditation and shine a light on people who are carers alongside their day-to-day employment. There are practical and emotional implications of a caring role which can be both stressful and demanding and we want to make sure these members of staff are supported.

“Some people don’t think of themselves as having caring responsibilities, but it is important that we recognise the contribution carers make to their families and local communities, workplaces and society – therefore identifying these members of staff has been very important.

“We are continuing to raise the visibility of carers within our organisation and are linking up with York Carers Centre to ensure our staff have access to the support they need.”

York Carers Centre is an independent charity and a network member of the national Carers Trust. They work in partnership with carers, statutory and voluntary organisations to ensure unpaid carers throughout York have access to confidential information, advice and support.

Sam Ferguson is a Training and Volunteer Officer at York Carers Centre, and works with employers to support carers in their workforce and helps them work towards achieving a carer friendly status. Sam said: “Our Carer Friendly Charter is made up of organisations across York which recognise the importance of carers in their workforce, and I am delighted that the CCG has recently achieved this award with us. I would like to thank all those involved in the work to gain this accreditation and also the work they are doing to support their carers.

“We appreciate this is a particularly difficult time for carers so anyone who feels they need support, we encouraged to get in touch with York Carers Centre and access what we have to offer.”

York Carers Centre can be contacted via telephone on 01904 715490 or alternatively by visiting the website www.yorkcarerscentre.co.uk

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