Working Carers Advisory Group
What?
The All Wales Forum of Parents and Carers of People with Learning Disabilities, in partnership with Carers Wales, would like to host a conversation with working carers, made up of family carers of loved ones with learning disabilities who are –
- Currently in education, training or employment
- Formerly in education, training or employment
This conversation will develop the basis of a Working Carers Advisory group who will share their experiences, with the aim developing solutions, resources and opportunities that be used to influence best practise in the fields of education, training and employment in the recruitment and retention of family carers of people with learning disabilities.
Why?
Working carers of loved ones with learning disabilities, have unique challenges to getting into and staying in education, training and employment due to their parenting and caring responsibilities. It’s important that carer voices are heard on this and there is effective co-production and partnership working to ensure these voices shape future best practise and opportunities.
How?
5+ family carers, will discuss their experiences as part of a peer learning group. Initially, the group will focus on highlighting key considerations that highlights the main things family carers need to be able to manage their work/life balance and will be shared with professional network partners of AWF. We also want to explore engagement methods and language in order to create a clear pathway for family carers into Carers Wales’s Working Carers Hub.
Following on, the advisory group will inform the production of simple resources and advice that influence good practice when it comes to education, training and employment of family carers of people with learning disabilities based off their personal experiences and by celebrating employers and providers who demonstrate good practise to help influence others. In partnership with Carers Wales, we want to represent working carers voices at Chartered Institute for Professional Development (CIPD) network events that highlight ‘hidden voices’, including carers, and make the most of opportunities to link with organisations interested in providing opportunities to carers.
When?
Working carers advisory group will meet initially in June 2022 and agree regular meeting dates after this initial meeting. The details of which will be developed in partnership with group members but will be no more than once every three months.
Please get in touch! Contact us at caringcommunities@allwalesforum.org.uk
