The Carer Friendly Business Awards provides businesses and organisations the opportunity to showcase their commitment to supporting unpaid carers.
With 1 in 7 people in the workplace going home to caring duties, it’s vital for businesses and organisations to recognise, value and support Carers. The Carer Friendly Business Awards exist to help celebrate those businesses across the West Midlands who are already supporting Carers within their workforce or community.
Now in its fourth year, the awards are run by West Midlands based, Forward Carers CIC. There are seven awards in total, these are; Carer Friendly Employer, Carer Friendly Retailer and Hospitality, Carer Friendly Charity, Carer Friendly Business, Carer Friendly Community Champion, Carer Friendly Health Provider and Carer Friendly Making The Difference.
Simon Fenton, CEO for Forward Carers said, “With the pandemic and now the cost of living crisis, things have been and continue to be tough for people who take care of relatives or friends who depend on their help. Our awards provide the opportunity to celebrate individuals, businesses and organisations who are going above and beyond to support unpaid Carers who are either customers or staff members.”
Previous Carer Friendly Award winner, and headline sponsor, Rob Bhol from Nicholls Brimble Bhol solicitors comments that “businesses should enter as it will raise your profile as an organisation that values the West Midlands’ caring community, bringing with it more customers and recognition.”
2021 winner, Mark Wretham from Developing Active Young Minds agreed, adding:
“Since winning the award, I have noticed an increase in referrals into my service. The award has given me added validity and supported my reputation as a reputable practitioner. I have seen such an increase in carers using my service, that I left my previous role at the NHS so that I can engage in working privately full time. I could not be more grateful for the recognition of winning this award as it has validated my work with families and has completely changed my career path and prospects.”
Businesses and organisations can enter for free by completing a short nomination form and providing examples of how they are supporting unpaid carers. This can be either support for their workforce or for their customer base.
Examples of being Carer Friendly can include allowing staff who juggle work and caring at home to have flexibility, or a café keeping food separate on a plate to please an autistic boy, or a cinema letting carers in for free.
Nominations close on 30th September 2022, with a virtual awards evening happening on the 25th November 2022 and a Winners Lunch then following.
To find out more about each category and enter a nomination, go to the Forwards Carers website.
