TWO businesses, Medvivo and PACA, were the winners at the recent Working For Carers Annual Gala, when both received awards for their commitment to unpaid carers in their workforce.

The Carer Support Wiltshire (CSW) initiative, Working For Carers, works with employers to promote carer awareness within their organisation, improve line manager training, and to create a compassionate and supportive culture for their employees.

Businesses from across the region attended the annual event held in Devizes Town Hall. Speakers included Lizzie Rapley, Working For Carers employers project officer who announced a new website and plans for expansion with other Carers Trust network partners across the UK, and Catharine Hurford, CEO of CSW, who highlighted the challenges many carers face juggling work with a caring role.

“One in five carers gives up employment because of their caring responsibilities. Recognising and supporting working carers on your staff offers many benefits, including the retention of experienced workers, reduced absences and improved staff morale. Congratulations to Medvivo and PACA - a Working For Carers accreditation shows that you care about your employees.”

Chippenham-based Medvivo have been a Working For Carers members since 2015.

“We’re thrilled to have been able to achieve the Bronze award. At Medvivo, we take the wellbeing of our employees seriously, and are committed to ensuring we are flexible to their responsibilities outside of work as well as in the workplace. This award demonstrates our commitment and is the first step on achieving the full accreditation,” said Daisy Newsome, recruitment and retention manager for Medvivo.

Alison and Christopher Barrett, owners of Melksham domiciliary care provider PACA, are committed to offering carers in their workforce flexibility when needed.

“To be a member of Working for Carers has been a learning curve for our whole team," Alison said. "They all help each other when a member of staff needs extra time off to support a loved one.

"We have an open door policy to give staff the confidence to come and talk to us when there is a problem and not have any other stresses to add to what they are already coping with.

I was so proud to receive the award but it was only achievable by working as a team and supporting each other.”

Businesses can find out more about supporting the carers in their workforce by contacting Lizzie Rapley at hello@workingforcarers.co.uk.