{ "id": 2752, "date": "2023-03-31T13:19:48", "date_gmt": "2023-03-31T13:19:48", "guid": { "rendered": "http:\/\/efcdigitalwales.org\/?page_id=2752" }, "modified": "2023-09-20T19:58:43", "modified_gmt": "2023-09-20T19:58:43", "slug": "peer-support-carers-networks-tips-from-efc-members", "status": "publish", "type": "page", "link": "https:\/\/efcdigitalwales.org\/en_gb\/peer-support-carers-networks-tips-from-efc-members\/", "title": { "rendered": "Peer Support – Carers networks \u2013 tips from EfC members" }, "content": { "rendered": "
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Carers networks - tips from EfC members<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Tips from EfC members involved in carers networks.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Tips from EfC members involved in carers networks:<\/p>

1 Myth busting and changing perceptions.\u00a0
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Think about how you can not only bust myths about carers but also actually change perceptions, especially among senior managers.\u00a0 Senior role models are essential so that senior managers can see themselves \u2018reflected\u2019 in the issue. Networks also need to be seen as relevant to senior managers as well as to staff at other levels and as a helpful resource, not another problem. For example, managers in EfC private and public sector organisations have signposted staff to their organisation\u2019s carers network or support group; the practical support that such networks give to carers can also help to alleviate pressures on busy line managers.<\/p>

2 Networks can reach the parts that other support can\u2019t reach.\u00a0
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Networks, especially peer support among carers, can provide the informal help that can really make a difference for carers. This includes practical tips from people who have been in a similar situation and emotional support which can help carers to feel less isolated and manage stress. While there will always be a challenge in meeting some people\u2019s\u2019 expectations about what sort of assistance networks can provide, they can play a valuable role in signposting to sources of practical help, whether this is peer support, workplace policies and provisions or accessing external services.\u00a0<\/p>

3 Networks can play a practical role in communicating support.\u00a0
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By reinforcing key messages about what workplace support is available and how to access it, networks can help save time for line managers as well as communicating information to employees. Policies must be \u2018obtainable\u2019, i.e. it is no good just having good policies for carers on paper if people do not feel comfortable using them. So networks can play a useful role in working with HR teams to communicate the message that it is OK to be a carer and that people are successfully taking up the support on offer. They can also help to foster a \u2018trust based\u2019 relationship between line manager and employee and thereby enhance motivation and loyalty. Carers have reported that even if they do not take up the support on offer such as accessing networks, just knowing that help is there if needed has made them feel much more supported and motivated at work.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

4 Networks can therefore be a benefit to managers too.\u00a0\u00a0
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Any communications about networks should also highlight to managers the practical support they can provide for carers among their staff. Networks should be seen as a useful resource to which line managers can signpost carers in their teams. Communications to managers could also signpost to any practical support which may be available for managers in the workplace such as tips on supporting carers, dos and don\u2019ts etc. (Practical guidance and tips for managers are available from EfC including on the website.)\u00a0<\/p>

5 Carers need support at all levels of the organisation.\u00a0
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Although concerns are sometimes expressed about carers\u2019 networks being used mainly by support staff, it is often these staff who are in most need of help. They are less likely to have the support mechanisms of higher paid colleagues who may be in a better position to pay for additional care and support or have a partner who can afford to give up work to help with care. Senior managers are also more likely to have greater autonomy in terms of their diaries and working flexibly etc whereas employees at lower levels often have less choice. However, it is often through peer support that carers receive the best support and practical advice and this applies across all levels of an organisation.\u00a0<\/p>

6 People who are not \u2018joiners\u2019.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>

Some individuals are not \u2018joiners\u2019 so may never register for a network or attend meetings, whether face to face or virtual. Networks therefore need to consider how they provide information and support for carers when (and in which forms) they need it. They should also be publicised to all staff so that future carers and former carers are aware of them. Some former carers play a valuable role in mentoring and supporting carers.\u00a0<\/p>

7 Language.\u00a0
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Although there are published definitions of who we mean by carers (including, for example by EfC and Carers UK) employers and networks need to keep defining who they mean by \u2018carers\u2019 as many people do not see themselves in this role. Publicity and information needs to raise questions such as \u2018do you look after\u2019 a relative, partner or friend etc rather than ask \u2018are you a carer?\u2019 Organisations and networks also need to keep cross referencing all policies which are relevant to carers.\u00a0<\/p>

8 Career mobility and progression.\u00a0
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Working with their carers networks, some employers such as BT have sought to \u2018normalise\u2019 care in the workplace, including facilitating career mobility and progression. The introduction of the BT Carers\u2019 Passport has had an enormous impact, enabling carers to move around the organisation with their terms and conditions intact. It has also helped to lessen the impact of changes in line manager which can be disruptive for carers. Another example of good practice reported by the Ministry of Justice arose from the identification of career progression problems for carers in their annual staff survey. As a result, working with the carers\u2019 network, a 3 day non residential course was developed looking at where next for carers. A mentoring scheme for carers was also set up providing telephone support from a carer, or former carer, on the grade above.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

9 Virtual networks can provide cost effective support.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>

During the current tight economic times there are real benefits in flexible networks which can provide support for carers virtually (as well as face to face). Rather than viewing employee networks as a cost, this type of network should be considered as an inexpensive and time saving way of providing support which can benefit both carers and managers.\u00a0 Some employee surveys have also revealed that carers prefer online contact as this can be more anonymous, flexible and discreet (although face to face contact is also highly valued for some forms of support). Virtual networks can also be helpful for employees who are caring at a distance as well as for those working remotely.\u00a0<\/p>

10 People in different operational roles.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>

Some carers will be unable to participate in face to face or virtual meetings because of the nature of their roles. For example fire fighters, train drivers and some police officers have complex shift patterns and\/or may not have access to a computer in their workplace. So in these types of workplaces networks need to advertise themselves and the information and support available through a variety of mechanisms including leaflets, posters, awareness raising events and mobile phones. EfC has piloted a model with London Fire Brigade for an \u201canytime, anywhere\u201d carers network and website resource, LFB Carers Connect, which carers can access wherever they are \u2013 work, home or elsewhere by PC, tablet or phone, on an ongoing or \u201cone off\u201d basis. (More information about this model, which may be of interest to other employers, is available from EfC.)<\/p>

11 \u2018Knowledge calls\u2019.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>

These are potentially an excellent way of reaching large numbers of people effectively particularly in \u2018time poor\u2019 organisations. BT\u2019s first dementia call attracted 450 registrations. Because of the nature of the subject this brought in a wider range of people including some who would not necessarily have identified themselves as a carer. It was chaired by a member of the network and included an expert on dementia from UCL. The information from the call was stored on the staff intranet and sent out to everyone who registered. While BT was clearly particularly well equipped to do this because of the nature of its business this idea could be adapted by other organisations. Some, for example, have run awareness raising events for staff on dementia and other health related issues.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

12 Early intervention and the \u2018six week window\u2019.<\/b><\/p>

Some organisations have identified a critical six week period when someone who has just become a carer \u2013 or who has just realised that they are a carer \u2013 needs to access help and information on a whole range of fronts. This is the real challenge when people may be most vulnerable to dropping out of the workforce to care or to feeling that they have to take time off either as annual leave or sick leave. Carers have described this initial phase as \u2018like being a rabbit in the headlights\u2019. Tackling this situation means both upskilling carers\u2019 networks so that they are better equipped to support carers (e.g. some provide help by alerting other members by email) and educating line managers to be aware that these situations may arise at very short notice (i.e. that anyone on their team could become a carer overnight).<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Good Practice<\/span><\/a><\/h3>

Policies (and Preparation)<\/a>
Developing Policies<\/a>
Sample definition for carers<\/a>
Sample policies<\/a>
Sample charters<\/a>
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Practice<\/span><\/a><\/h3>

Flexible working<\/a>
Carer’s leave<\/a>
Workplace support<\/a>
Carers passports<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Peer Support<\/span><\/a><\/h3>

Carers networks – workplace examples and tips<\/a>
Carers networks \u2013 tips from EfC members<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Promotion<\/span><\/a><\/h3>

Changing the culture<\/a>
Championing support (workplace examples)<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>", "protected": false }, "excerpt": { "rendered": "

Carers networks – tips from EfC members Tips from EfC members involved in carers networks. Tips from EfC members involved in carers networks: 1 Myth busting and changing perceptions.\u00a0 Think about how you can not only bust myths about carers but also actually change perceptions, especially among senior managers.\u00a0 Senior role models are essential so […]<\/p>", "protected": false }, "author": 20857, "featured_media": 0, "parent": 0, "menu_order": 0, "comment_status": "closed", "ping_status": "closed", "template": "", "meta": { "_acf_changed": false, "site-sidebar-layout": "no-sidebar", "site-content-layout": "page-builder", "ast-site-content-layout": "default", "site-content-style": "default", "site-sidebar-style": "default", "ast-global-header-display": "", "ast-banner-title-visibility": "", "ast-main-header-display": "", "ast-hfb-above-header-display": "", "ast-hfb-below-header-display": "", "ast-hfb-mobile-header-display": "", "site-post-title": "disabled", "ast-breadcrumbs-content": "", "ast-featured-img": "disabled", "footer-sml-layout": "", "theme-transparent-header-meta": "", "adv-header-id-meta": "", "stick-header-meta": "", "header-above-stick-meta": "", "header-main-stick-meta": "", "header-below-stick-meta": "", "astra-migrate-meta-layouts": "default", "ast-page-background-enabled": "default", "ast-page-background-meta": { "desktop": { "background-color": "", "background-image": "", "background-repeat": "repeat", "background-position": "center center", "background-size": "auto", "background-attachment": "scroll", "background-type": "", "background-media": "", "overlay-type": "", "overlay-color": "", "overlay-opacity": "", "overlay-gradient": "" }, "tablet": { "background-color": "", "background-image": "", "background-repeat": "repeat", "background-position": "center center", "background-size": "auto", "background-attachment": "scroll", "background-type": "", "background-media": "", "overlay-type": "", "overlay-color": "", "overlay-opacity": "", "overlay-gradient": "" }, "mobile": { "background-color": "", "background-image": "", "background-repeat": "repeat", "background-position": "center center", "background-size": "auto", "background-attachment": "scroll", "background-type": "", "background-media": "", "overlay-type": "", "overlay-color": "", "overlay-opacity": "", "overlay-gradient": "" } }, "ast-content-background-meta": { "desktop": { "background-color": "var(--ast-global-color-5)", "background-image": "", "background-repeat": "repeat", "background-position": "center center", "background-size": "auto", "background-attachment": "scroll", "background-type": "", "background-media": "", "overlay-type": "", "overlay-color": "", "overlay-opacity": "", "overlay-gradient": "" }, "tablet": { "background-color": "var(--ast-global-color-5)", "background-image": "", "background-repeat": "repeat", "background-position": "center center", "background-size": "auto", "background-attachment": "scroll", "background-type": "", "background-media": "", "overlay-type": "", "overlay-color": "", "overlay-opacity": "", "overlay-gradient": "" }, "mobile": { "background-color": "var(--ast-global-color-5)", "background-image": "", "background-repeat": "repeat", "background-position": "center center", "background-size": "auto", "background-attachment": "scroll", "background-type": "", "background-media": "", "overlay-type": "", "overlay-color": "", "overlay-opacity": "", "overlay-gradient": "" } }, "footnotes": "" }, "categories": [ 19 ], "tags": [], "class_list": [ "post-2752", "page", "type-page", "status-publish", "hentry", "category-course-page" ], "acf": [], "_links": { "self": [ { "href": "https:\/\/efcdigitalwales.org\/en_gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2752", "targetHints": { "allow": [ "GET" ] } } ], "collection": [ { "href": "https:\/\/efcdigitalwales.org\/en_gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages" } ], "about": [ { "href": "https:\/\/efcdigitalwales.org\/en_gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page" } ], "author": [ { "embeddable": true, "href": "https:\/\/efcdigitalwales.org\/en_gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20857" } ], "replies": [ { "embeddable": true, "href": "https:\/\/efcdigitalwales.org\/en_gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2752" } ], "version-history": [ { "count": 0, "href": "https:\/\/efcdigitalwales.org\/en_gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2752\/revisions" } ], "wp:attachment": [ { "href": "https:\/\/efcdigitalwales.org\/en_gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2752" } ], "wp:term": [ { "taxonomy": "category", "embeddable": true, "href": "https:\/\/efcdigitalwales.org\/en_gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2752" }, { "taxonomy": "post_tag", "embeddable": true, "href": "https:\/\/efcdigitalwales.org\/en_gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2752" } ], "curies": [ { "name": "wp", "href": "https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}", "templated": true } ] } }