Carers

Are you looking after someone when you are not at work?

If this is you then you could be a carer. It can be difficult to see yourself as a carer, you will see yourself as a partner, sister, brother, neighbour or friend and this relationship will not change. However in recognising yourself as a carer, this entitles you to certain rights and access to information and support, specifically for you as a carer that may assist you in your caring role. This may also be helpful for the person you care for.

Who is a carer?

The NHSGGC Special Leave policy defines Carer Leave as being required 'where employees are responsible for caring for a family member, dependent or close friend' and, as a result 'work and home life can cause conflicting pressures.'

Many carers say they do have a good balance between caring and being able to do other things in life. However for some, trying to balance their working life and caring can be stressful and can affect their health and wellbeing. 

“Research tells us that it is important to understand how caring can have an impact on wellbeing and to ensure that appropriate supports are put in place to maintain the health and wellbeing of the carer.”

We know that there are around 4,000 of our staff who are also looking after someone. We also understand that it can be difficult at times to balance working life and being a carer. For this reason we want to recognise and value our staff who are carers and raise awareness of the help and support that is available.

Help and Support

If you do look after someone, you are not alone, support is at hand. There is a lot of help and support available for you. This includes supportive NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Policies and local community based services dedicated to carers. Even if you do not need this help and support just now, it is good to know there are services out there should you need this in the future.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Policies:

Special Leave Policy

Flexible Working Policy

All policies are available on HR Connect

Web: www.nhsggc.org.uk/working-with-us/hr-connect/

For further advice on HR policies, contact the HR Support and Advice Unit Telephone: 0141 278 2700 or email  HR.Support@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

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Local Carer Support Services

There are dedicated support services across Greater Glasgow and Clyde area and further afield. These services provide practical and emotional support for you as a carer and they understand what it means to be a carer. The support these services provide can also help the person you look after. 

Here is what carers are saying about these services...

What do carer support services provide?

• Practical information for you. They will let you know about your rights as a carer and what help and support is available for you.
• Emotional support and a listening ear for you.
• Access to training that will support you in your role as a carer.
• Information about financial support that may be available for you or for the person you look after.
• Information about how to access short breaks from providing care.

Contact us now for help and support 

Telephone: Carers Information Line 0141 353 6504

Email: info@glasgowcarersinformation.org.uk

Web: http://www.nhsggc.org.uk/your-health/health-services/carers/ 

or https://carers.org to find you local service on-line.

You can also drop in, call or email the Support & Information Service on the ground floor of the New Victoria and New Stobhill Hospitals and the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

Telephone: 0141 452 2387

Email: supportandinformation@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

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Health and Wellbeing information

There is a dedicated Staff Health page on Staffnet that is a one stop for staff health issues. This provides information and support for staff on a range of health topics and factors that can impact on our health. For more information go to Staff Health

Support for Staff with Money Worries

In the current economic climate, many staff are experiencing money and debt problems, which can increase personal stress.  NHSGGC has a number of resources to support staff.

The NHSGGC Money Management Guide covers money advice and affordable credit options for staff including the NHS Credit Union.

The ‘Help for You’ leaflet can also be used for staff experiencing money difficulties and copies can be left in staff informal meeting areas and notice boards.

Other sources of information:

Carers Scotland http://www.carersuk.org/scotland

Care Info Scotland http://www.careinfoscotland.scot

On-line peer support http://www.carersuk.org/forum

Mental Health https://www.supportinmindscotland.org.uk/

http://www.nhsggc.org.uk/working-with-us/hr-connect/carers/

http://www.knowledge.scot.nhs.uk/home/portals-and-topics/equal-partners-in-care/epic-elearning.aspx