EA Marks National Carers Week 7 – 13 June 2021

EA marks National Carers Week (7-17 June 2021) by focusing on the importance of not only recognising carers, but also valuing them for the vital contribution they make every day.

We aim to support our staff who don’t think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.

According to the charity CAUSE, it is estimated that across Northern Ireland up to 310,000 people care unpaid for an ill, older or disabled family member, or friend. To read the full report, visit: Unpaid caring in Northern Ireland - latest report by Carers UK:

• 58% of unpaid carers are women and 42% are men.
• Over half (53%) of unpaid carers are in paid work. 36% are in fulltime work, and 17% are in part-time work.
• 20% are aged over 65, 21% are 55-64, 22% are 44-54, 17% are 35-44, 11% are 25-34 and 8% are 18-24.

Many of our work colleagues are carers and some have very kindly agreed to share their personal stories and experiences. Why not take a little time today to read their inspiring stories.

“As the issues surrounding disability and caring responsibilities are deeply

personal and private, a little kindness goes a long way."

 

• Click here to read Jason's Story
• Click here to read Pauline's Story  
• Click here to read Charlene's Story
• Click here to read Denise's Story
• Click here to read Maura's Story

 

Below you will find information and ways to access help within EA to support you as a carer or as a person with disability:

• EA’s Link Disability & Carers Staff Network – This peer support network is made up of EA employees who either, have a disability, care for someone with a disability or have a general interest in the area of disability. Link members work actively towards creating a safe, welcoming and friendly environment for all its members to communicate freely, free of judgement and prejudice. For more information or to join the network, visit: EA Link Disability & Carers Staff Network

 

• Flexible Working Provisions and Carers Responsibilities Considerations – For more information, visit, Responsive Working During Covid-19 (A Manager’s Toolkit) – see Section 3.

 

• Disability Employment Support Service (DESS) - EA has established a dedicated Disability Employment Support Service (DESS), within the Equality & Diversity unit. For more information, visit, https://www.eani.org.uk/about-us/equality/disability-employment-support-service

Best regards,

Health & Wellbeing & Diversity & Inclusion Teams