TfL: The Importance of Supporting Carers

Friday 25^th November saw this year’s Carers Rights Day, with the theme of Missing out? Know your rights as a carer. This day is held annually by Carers UK as an opportunity to bring organisations across the UK together to help carers in their local community discover how best to get the support and assistance they are entitled to and know their rights. Almost a week on, we wanted to draw attention to the fantastic work of Transport for London’s (TfL) Carers Staff Network Group.

Staff Network Groups at TfL have a history of empowering employees, changing policies, winning awards and celebrating diversity in a range of different ways. The Carers Staff Network Group is no exception. It supports employees who are also carers and finds a number of ways to make a difference and raise awareness of caring needs. Members of TfL’s Carers Staff Network played a vital role in the launch of their carers’ guidelines. The guidelines were designed to support carers and educate their managers on the barriers they face. With this knowledge, managers are better able to support staff who are carers by balancing their caring and work responsibilities. Members of the network offer advice and help through support groups and also host events to raise awareness of carers. The network works closely with Carers UK, the UK's only national membership charity for carers, who help by sharing experiences, offering support and championing the rights of carers.

Ally, a Visitor Advisor at TfL, became a carer when he learnt that his child had a disability. After discovering first-hand the importance of networking, Ally joined Carers UK as a volunteer ambassador. He shares his experience of caring for a son with Down syndrome and the demands of balancing his working life and caring:

“I decided to apply for flexible working and my request was accepted. My colleagues and managers have been very supportive, but the process in every business needs to be clear and ready to help employees.”

“I am now part of the Carers Staff Network at TfL. I think these groups are important as they can bring consistency throughout organisations. Carers want to, and can, contribute to the success of any business given the right opportunities.”

“We have made friends through the networks and I consider my son to be a blessing. He has allowed me to view life from a different perspective”

Want to learn more about Carers Rights Day and Carers UK? Click here.

Are you interested in a career with Transport for London? Please click here!

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