Charity partnership provides expert advice and guidance to staff caring for loved ones throughout lockdown
Staff members at one of the country’s largest banking groups are being offered the opportunity to take part in specialist training and support sessions as part of Royal Bank of Scotland partnership with carers’ charity, VOCAL.
Recognising the need to support staff who may be caring for family and loved ones during lockdown, the bank has enlisted VOCAL to deliver a programme of virtual seminars.
Run by Royal Bank’s Family and Carers Network, the seminars include a carers support circle, a virtual coffee morning and a session on coping with fertility and loss delivered by expert councillors.
Carers Week runs annually, with Royal Bank’s Family and Carers Network delivering a programme of sessions throughout the month of June.
Debbie Pow, Chair of Royal Bank of Scotland’s Family and Carers Network, said: “The Family and Carers Network is committed to supporting its members and our wider staff who themselves are providing crucial support to loved ones during what is already an incredibly challenging time.
“By partnering with VOCAL, we hope to provide information, support and training to our members throughout the month.
“While it’s important to mark the hard work and dedication of carers during Carers Week, we appreciate that the challenges of being a carer are not limited to one month and we run various events and seminars throughout the year.”
Sebastian Fischer, Chief Executive of VOCAL said: “Balancing employment and caring responsibilities at home is challenging at the best of times. Now, with many care services and networks suspended due to Coronavirus, carers are facing even tougher challenges.
“We are delighted to join forces with Royal Bank of Scotland – between us we can offer a range of information and help, from care planning, emotional, practical and even financial support to flexible working. Working together for carers can make a big difference to their lives.”
The sessions come as the Royal Bank’s Family & Carers Network announces its membership with Employers for Carers – committing to providing support to staff who may be caring for a child, elderly relative or disabled family member.
With 1 in 7 staff members in the average UK workforce taking on the role of carer, the Family & Carers Network will also be hosting ‘Lunch and Learn’ sessions where attendees will learn techniques they can use to support colleagues who are caring for a loved one.
Royal Banks of Scotland’s Family & Carers Network produces a monthly e-bulletin newsletter, providing subscribers with the option to sign up to seminars and workshops.
