Time for carers at Darlington Business Week

A WORKSHOP devoted to the role of employers and carers in their workforce will take place on Thursday 21 September from 2-4pm at the Dolphin Centre, Darlington. The event will form part of Darlington’s first ever Business Week offering more than 20 free workshops from 18 – 22 September.
 
It is estimated that one in nine employees are also caring for an older, disabled or seriously ill family member or friend and that this figure is set to rise as the population profile ages.

Katherine Wilson, a national speaker from Carers UK’s business forum, Employers for Carers (EfC), will be co-hosting the workshop which is aimed at small to medium sized businesses from Darlington. The session will give more details on Darlington Borough Council’s free umbrella membership of Employers for Carers. Through this membership, local small to medium sized companies can access the information needed to support their staff who are also carers.

The session will give people the chance to ask questions and listen to real life case studies.

Katherine Wilson, Head of EfC, said:
“Juggling work commitments and caring duties can be overwhelming and, in some cases, if unsupported, can lead to ill health and prolonged absence from work. The resources available through EfC and Carers UK can be really useful for both employers and carers, offering them a way through the maze of support available to both. I urge any small to medium sized businesses in the Darlington area to come along to this session to find out more.”

Councillor Chris McEwan, Darlington Borough Council’s Cabinet member for economy and regeneration said:
“Employees are probably the most valuable asset a company can have. It is essential that they are valued and supported especially when they are faced with challenging times in their home lives.

“This session will offer advice and information to employers on how they can support their workforce in these situations giving them the advice and help they need.”

Places on the workshops are free and can be booked at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/supporting-your-employees-who-are-carers-tickets-36712819030 or by following the links from:
www.darlington.gov.uk/businessweek For more information on Darlington Business Week, call the business team on 01325 406305 or email business.support@darlington.gov.uk