Proud to support West Cumbria Carers Champion Scheme

We are proud to announce that Anita Jeremy, Sellafield Administrator at Franks Portlock, has recently undergone training to become a West Cumbria Carers Champion.

The Carers Champion scheme by West Cumbria Carers is in aid of both young and adult carers and aims to provide support in the workplace. It is estimated that 62% of workers believe they don’t know ‘any work colleagues’ who help look after a loved one. However, it is estimated that one in nine people are juggling paid work with unpaid caring. To create a supportive working environment, and change perceptions, West Cumbria Carers believes it is important to raise awareness regarding those who may be struggling with the commitment of caring.

As Franks Portlock’s Carers Champion, Anita will be focused on providing a reassuring presence in the workplace. After attending the West Cumbria Carers Champion training course, Anita acquired the necessary skills to recognise signs of mental health issues and raise awareness regarding the services available to those struggling as a working carer. Anita will also be on hand to help those who wish to contact the charity for further assistance, or simply listen to the stresses and strains a carer may be facing.

Anita plans to further develop her training by attending a Mental Health First Aid Course, linking with her current role as Franks Portlock’s emergency first aider.

Anita said of her new role as Franks Portlock’s Carer Champion: “I am very proud to be a qualified West Cumbria Carers Champion, I think that people are open to discussing mental health now, more than ever before. I hope that in my new role I can help people and offer guidance, as well as raise awareness regarding working carers in the community.”

Phil Franks, Technical Director at Franks Portlock, said of the scheme: “At Franks Portlock we pride ourselves on offering all staff a safe and supportive working environment, implementing the West Cumbria Carers Champion scheme is another means in which we can do this.

“Care givers are often under a great deal of mental, and at times, physical stress from the work they undertake. At Franks Portlock we believe that recognition is important and would like to commend the care giving community in general, as well as the West Cumbria Carers Champion scheme, for the fantastic work they do in providing relief and support to carers in the West Cumbria area.

“We would like to congratulate Anita on her role as Carers Champion and look forward to supporting her on the delivery of the scheme. We hope this makes a positive impact and provides support to the local community as well as any of our team members who may be a working carer.”