Looking after someone 2017, Northern Ireland

YOUR WORK Getting support Telling your employer that you are a carer is not always an easy step. However, there may already be support, advice and information for carers within your workplace. 32 Ask your employer if they have a carers policy or another policy that could support you as a carer, such as special leave. Some companies operate counselling services and have advice packs for carers. Trade unions can also be a good source of support. You may find that your colleagues are supportive, or even in similar caring situations themselves. As well as seeing if there is any support available to carers through your employment, you could explore the support available outside of your employment. This could include getting a carer’s assessment to see if there is any support the local authority can offer to help you juggle work and care – see page 13. This could also include speaking to others who know what you are going through. A local carers organisation may have support groups – visit carersuk.org/localsupport Our online forum may be a good place to speak to other carers about how you are feeling – visit carersuk.org/forum Carers UK runs Employers for Carers, providing practical advice and resources to help employers support the carers in their workforce. You could talk to your employer about joining Employers for Carers – find out more at employersforcarers.org Looking after someone carersni.org

Looking after someone 2017, Northern Ireland | Page 32