5th August 2015

HONITON: Call to help carers back into work

NEW SCHEME TO CREATE ‘CARER FRIENDLY COMMUNITY’

by Jack Dixon

EMPLOYERS are being urged to help unpaid carers find a route back into work, as part of a new initiative to support Honiton’s unsung heroes.

The ambitious scheme aims to create a ‘carer friendly community’ across East Devon and prevent hardworking carers being pushed out of employment.

David Foster, a former Mayor of Honiton, is pioneering the project, which he hopes will enable carers across the district to “fulfil their personal potential”.

Councillor Foster, who is now East Devon’s health and wellbeing champion, gave up his job when his wife became ill during pregnancy.

His life suddenly shifted from full-time employment to round-the-clock care – and he struggled to find a job that could accommodate his family commitments.

Eventually, with support from his local church, Councillor Foster was able to find suitable employment as his wife regained her health.

But he says that many carers can become trapped in the cycle and end up locked out of work.

“I found it a real struggle to get back into the workplace because some employers were worried I would be unreliable,” he said.

“My own personal self worth became pretty low and left me feeling quite down – that made it even more difficult to find work and I began to look for jobs that were beneath my skill set.”

Councillor Foster is now pioneering the new scheme with a view to making sure others don’t face the struggle he went through to find work.

He hopes to establish a network of local employers who will commit to helping carers back into the workplace.

The scheme will seek to connect carers who are willing to work with employers who can accommodate their circumstances.

It could open up a series of new opportunities for carers who would benefit from more flexible working hours.

Councillor Foster is now encouraging businesses to demonstrate their support by making a pledge to join the scheme.

He also wants to hear from community organisations and volunteers who could help play a part in delivering the project.

“This is about trying to reach out to carers and make sure they feel included in the community,” he said.

“When you become a 24-hour carer for somebody, you are locked into a cycle of care. You do not begrudge your loved ones but you can become isolated and lose a sense of self worth.

“That is why it is so essential that we help carers manage their work and home lives so they can fulfil their personal potential.”

For more information or to get involved with the project, contact David Foster on 01404 45106 or email [email protected]