Local charity launches Carer Friendly Business Awards

Recognising a commitment to supporting carers.

The Carer Friendly Business Awards 2021 are seeking businesses and organisations in the West Midlands that are demonstrating a commitment to supporting Carers.

With 1 in 7 people in the workplace going home to caring duties, it’s vital for businesses and organisations to recognise, value and support Carers. The Carer Friendly Business Awards exist to help celebrate those businesses across the West Midlands who are already supporting Carers within their workforce or community.

There are six awards in total, which includes two new categories for 2021. These are; Carer Friendly Customer Care, Carer Friendly Employer, The Carers Champion, Carer Friendly Dementia, Carer Friendly Autism and Making A Difference. To enter, nominees will be asked to demonstrate the impact that the business is having on Carers.

Now in its third year, the awards are run by Birmingham based CIC, Forward Carers. Forward Carers lead an initiative called arer Friendly Communities, which encourages and guides communities and businesses on how to make a difference to the lives of Carers.

Forward Carers say, “The awards programme is a fantastic way to promote the importance of supporting carers in the workplace and to engage with businesses across the city. Whether organisations want to improve employee wellbeing or support their customers who are carers, this is a way to acknowledge the steps they have taken to help local families.

“Forward Carers would like to officially recognise organisations that have taken steps to lighten the load in some way – big or small, and made a carer feel more valued in the community.”

Past winners have included Birmingham solicitors Nicholls Brimble Bhol, who said, “We were delighted and humbled at NBB to have received this award last year and to have been in the same category of such great names as Marks and Spencer and Age concern. So many people in society are caring for a loved one at home, made even harder when they’re having to also fulfil their employment obligations. We are proud to be able to support any of our staff who have such responsibilities”

Nominations are welcomed from those within the Caring community, work colleagues, customers or service users. Self nominations are also accepted.

Nominations close on 31st October, with the virtual awards evening happening on the 25th November. Find out more about each category and enter a nomination here.