Carers First

Who we are

We understand that life as a carer can be challenging. Getting the support and help you need shouldn’t be.

Any of our lives could be turned upside down due to the ill-health, frailty or disability of a family member or friend. In fact, two in three of us can expect to become a carer in our lifetime.

There are currently 5.7 million unpaid carers in the UK, however carer charities estimate that number could be as high as 10.6 million. Their huge contribution saves our economy £162 billion each year - the cost of a second NHS.  Each carer’s needs and situation are unique, but many face similar challenges. They can struggle to balance employment, finances, or their own wellbeing and time for themselves with their caring role. They may not be aware of the help and support available to them - and that is why we are here. 

Carers First works directly with, and for carers, providing personalised information and tailored support in the way that suits them: online, on the phone, or face to face in their local community. With the help of our supporters and volunteers, we can continue to be there for carers, helping them find balance, and to live their lives to the fullest - today, and for years to come.

Our impact and reach

Last year, we reached over 376,000 carers through digital services and face to face activities. We have been able to make a material difference in carers’ lives and we can evidence that carers feel more confident, informed and resilient in their caring role.

We are growing, and currently have over 50,000 carers registered with us.

We are reaching more carers through our digital services, with over 230,000 users on our website last year, as well as a 10% increase in email subscribers and 18% increase in social media followers.

Our culture and values

Carers First’s values show we are:

Positive

We are dedicated to working with carers to make a positive, material difference in their lives. We celebrate diversity and work in an inclusive, positive and supportive way, actively listening and valuing everyone’s contribution.

Collaborative

We recognise the importance and strength of working in collaboration with local and national organisations to deliver improved support to carers. We also know the importance of collaborating with our Carers First colleagues, sharing knowledge and learning, being curious, respecting differences and working with integrity and transparency.

Ambitious

We are ambitious and tenacious in our determination to support more carers in better ways. We will innovate and develop our programmes of support, so more carers are able to obtain the support they need, at the time they need it, to achieve a balance in their lives and enable them to live their lives to the fullest.

Do you have these values and are interested in joining our team? Find out more by visiting our website.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

Diversity and Inclusion

We are proud to be a diverse and inclusive workplace.
 

Carers First is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment. Employees and any job applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation (Protected Characteristics).

Carers First has an absolute commitment to equality and diversity which is about:

·       Recognising and valuing difference.

·       Recognising and seeking to redress inequality and disadvantage.

Our commitment is firmly founded on our belief that:
 

·       To offer services that are personal, committed and creative we need a diverse staff team who can respond to our carers as individuals.

·       To attract, keep and motivate the most talented staff, we need to:

o   Reach out to all sections of the community.

o   Provide a working environment in which everyone feels valued, respected and able to contribute.

Both as a service provider and an employer, we aim to be empowering, supportive and to offer as much flexibility as possible in order to help everyone realise their full potential as carers or employees of Carers First.

The charity recognises that true diversity in service delivery provision and within the staff group also involves a willingness to act, where necessary, at combating the effects of existing barriers to fair and equal treatment.