Carers Charter
The Carers Charter is a range of principles for organisations to sign up to and demonstrate their intention and commitment to support unpaid carers across the borough.
The Charter is being hosted by us and has been coproduced with people who have lived experience of being an unpaid carer.
By signing up, you’re agreeing that unpaid carers can expect a level of support and engagement from you.
Who can be an unpaid carer
A carer can be anybody of any age caring unpaid for a friend or family member who, through illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, needs additional support. Many people provide care without realising they are an unpaid carer. Unpaid carers have certain legal rights that include access to financial, practical and employment support.
At the time of the 2021 Census there were 32,638 unpaid carers in Cheshire West and Chester.
Anyone can be an unpaid carer, and anyone can become an unpaid carer at any time in their life.
Benefits of signing up to the Carers Charter
Upon sign up to the Carers Charter, you will receive practical information on how you can support unpaid carers in the community and employees who are unpaid carers through your organisation. You will also receive our Carers Charter logo and certificate that you can include within email signatures, letter heads, on your website or display within your organisation premises.
By signing up to the Carers Charter and supporting unpaid carers:
- you are helping to increase awareness around unpaid carers and what support is available
- you help unpaid carers to recognise themselves as carers and access early support
- you are helping to empower and recognise unpaid carers in their caring role
- you help to build a positive and inclusive organisation where unpaid carers feel valued
- employees who are unpaid carers feel valued and supported, improving their wellbeing and reducing the likelihood of staff needing to give up work or reduce their working hours
- working practices which increase loyalty, motivation and retention should have a positive effect on performance
- effectively supporting employees who are unpaid carers can be good for business by reducing sickness, absence and reducing stress levels of carers
- carers bring unique and valuable skills into the workplace
How you can get involved
Any organisations wanting to work towards these principles can sign up to the Carers Charter online. It is free to sign up.
By signing up you help to build a positive and inclusive organisation, where unpaid carers can feel valued and supported.
A PDF version of the Carers Charter is also available for those who might want to print out copies to put up in their services or community buildings.