Are you an unpaid working carer?
Do you provide support to a family member, friend or neighbour because of their age, illness, disability or other needs?
Are you balancing a caring role alongside full‑time or part‑time work?
Are you unsure what support is available to you as a colleague?
If so, you’re not alone, many colleagues across the Trust combine work with caring responsibilities. Currently 400 carers have declared themselves as unpaid carers within the Trust (via the ESR portal) but we know this number will be much higher. If you identify as a working carer then help is available to support you.
Whether your caring role is regular or occasional, short‑term or ongoing, it can have a real impact on your wellbeing, time and energy. We recognise this and are committed to supporting you to balance work and caring in a way that is sustainable and best for your wellbeing.
On these pages you’ll find information about:
- Support for your wellbeing as a carer
- Help available within the Trust
- External support and resources for carers outside of work
You don’t need to manage this on your own, help is here when you need it.
Caring for someone outside of work can be physically and emotionally demanding. Balancing caring responsibilities alongside work can affect energy levels, sleep, concentration and overall wellbeing, often without carers recognising the impact on themselves.
Looking after your own wellbeing isn’t selfish. It’s an important part of sustaining your caring role and your working life. Recognising when you need support, taking breaks where possible and accessing help early can make a real difference to your health and resilience.
There is a wide range of help here to support you on the Staff Wellbeing Hub. As a colleague carer, you can access help with:
- A daily programme of wellbeing activities to support whole person wellbeing.
- Stress management and burnout awareness, including support to recognise early warning signs and reduce the risk of burnout
- Wellbeing check‑ins with the Wellbeing team, offering confidential time to talk through how you’re coping and explore practical support options
- Mental health support and signposting, including access to Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA) for immediate, informal support
- Make a referral to Occupational Health and Wellbeing for yourself or a team member who is a carer for further support such as Physio or Psychological Support
You can also access the Trust’s Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) HealthHero, which provides:
- 24/7 support line
- 24/7 Legal information and guidance
- Free and unlimited access to online CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), know as “Living Life to the Full”.
- Access to PayPlan, offering free, confidential debt and financial guidance if caring responsibilities are creating financial strain
You don’t have to wait until you’re struggling. Support is available to help you manage the demands of caring alongside work, in a way that feels realistic, confidential and right for you.
If you are an unpaid working carer, the Trust offers support to help you balance work and caring responsibilities.
You may find it helpful to:
- Register that you are a working carer on ESR, using the guidance here on how to do this.
- Register on the Carer Support Pathway[CW1] as a colleague carer. A Carer Engagement Officer will call, or Teams call, to offer support to access local Carers Centres and other local community organisations that support emotional and physical wellbeing, provide regular updates from the team about carer information, carer support and carer events, access to carer training education and peer support. If you wish to register, please email the team carers@merseycare.nhs.uk
- Speak with a Trust ‘Flex-pert’ about being an unpaid working carer to get support around flexible working requests and applications etc
- Access advice on flexible working options, which may help you manage caring commitments alongside your role
- Explore relevant Trust policies, including the Flexible Working Policy and Special Leave Policy, which outline the support available to colleagues with caring responsibilities
- Join the Staff Carer Network to get up to date carer information and access peer support, updates on carer‑related information, events and resources and join a space to share experiences and reduce isolation
- Speak to your team, your line manager, or team lead. Being open about your caring role, where you feel comfortable and safe to do so, can help others better understand your circumstances and ensure you receive the right support at work.
You can also access support from HR, who can provide advice on policies, flexible working options and the practical support available to you.
In addition, Staff Side representatives are available to offer independent advice and support. You can find out more at yourspace.merseycare.nhs.uk/staff-side
There is also a wide range of support available beyond the workplace to help carers maintain their wellbeing.
Through the Carer Support Pathway, a Carer Engagement Officer can:
- Help you access local Carers Centres and community organisations
- Signpost to emotional and practical support
- Share information about carer training, education and peer support opportunities
- Keep you informed about carer events and updates
Local and national carer organisations can also offer advice, practical help, and opportunities to connect with others who understand the realities of caring.
You can find out more about local carer support in your area by visiting Carer Services Near Me.
Carers Uk also offer a wide range of support via their Helpline and online support including:
- benefits and financial support
- your rights as a carer in the workplace
- carers' assessments and how to get support in your caring role
- services available to carers and the people you care for
- how to complain effectively and challenge decisions.
You don’t need to navigate this alone, support is available both in and outside of work.
