Published on: 18th March 2021
The NHS trust which provides mental health and learning disability services in Lincolnshire has been recognised as a ‘Carer Confident’ workplace by a leading charity.
Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) has successfully been accredited with level 1 of the Carer Confident benchmark from Carers UK, for its work to build a supportive and inclusive workplace for staff who are or may become carers.
Research carried out by Carers UK shows that one in seven people juggle work with caring for someone who is older, ill or disabled. Without the right support, one in six carers give up work or reduce working hours to care.
Donna Bradford, Service Manager for Carers at LPFT, said: “I am delighted that the Trust has been recognised for the support it gives to staff who have unpaid caring responsibilities outside of work.
“This is a great achievement in the start of our journey as we continue to look at how we can increase the support we provide to staff and I am excited to see our recently established staff carer forum progress and grow.
“We look forward to continuing to work towards level 2 of the scheme over the next three years.”
There are three levels in total that can be achieved through the Employers for Carers benchmarking scheme. The scheme recognises organisations that demonstrate an inclusive workplace where carers are recognised, respected and supported.
LPFT is not only committed to supporting staff who have caring responsibilities but also those who care for someone with a mental illness or learning disability. The Trust’s inpatient wards and crisis services have recently been reaccredited with the Lincolnshire Carers Quality Award.
The award programme is delivered by Lincolnshire based organisation, Every-One. Every-One work to support unpaid carers and those they care for and the Carers Quality Award is funded by Lincolnshire County Council.
Julie Goy, Quality Development Lead at Every-One said: “Every-One have worked with LPFT to support them in achieving the Lincolnshire Carers Quality Award, which they achieved for all inpatient and community services in 2017. Since then, successful reaccreditation has taken place annually.
“The award accreditation demonstrates and recognises the outstanding work which LPFT undertakes to support carers of those who use their services. LPFT have continued to develop their excellent work in carer support and quite rightly fully deserve their continued accreditation.”
