By Raisha Jesmin, Communications Assistant
The “Shine a Light on Care: Listening to Parents and Carers” research engaged more than 250 women across Bristol to develop practical solutions for those caring for children, elderly relatives, and Disabled family members.
The launch event brought together diverse individuals, organisations, and decision-makers, including carers, carer organisations, researchers, and representatives from BCC and the education sector.
Carers Illuminate their Raw Realities
Carers around Bristol shared their stories and experiences of caring and the dire need for change in the care infrastructure, echoing the findings from the Report.
Decision-Makers Share their Progress
A written statement from WECA was read out, highlighting the authority’s new ‘Regional Growth Strategy’, which lays down ambitious commitments towards creating accessible and affordable childcare and boosting jobs in social care.
Heather Mack, Councillor for Lockleaze and Deputy Leader, Bristol City Council, responded to the recommendations made by the Report, emphasising that the Council will embed the caring economy across its policies and strategies.
Dr Caroline McKinnonis, Deputy Head of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) at the University of Bristol, spoke on existing arrangements to support carers in the higher education sector and the path forward. She stressed the importance of adequate breaks, flexible working options, and ‘returning carer’ schemes for carers to re-establish their careers in research.
Going Forward: Commitments and Hope
As the event drew to a close, attendees were invited to make commitments to parents and carers on a flip chart. Some of the commitments read:
- ‘I will continue to ensure carers are seen, heard, and supported in the workplace and increase provision for mental health’.
- ‘Caring is a protected characteristic – please protect us!’
- ‘As a nursery school in Bristol, we will continue supporting our families to access the support they need and to raise the issues and challenges they tell us about or we encounter to the local authority and national partners’.
In addition, BCC and the University made some key commitments:
- The Council will address the challenges and recommendations put forward by the Report, including expanding funding and investment to improve care worker training and provide affordable and accessible legal advice, creating more tailored and inclusive care services, and co-producing care strategies and action plans with local communities and individuals.
- The University of Bristol will continue to produce research and design policies that support carers, including providing adequate breaks, flexible working arrangements, and redressing disparities in line management.
Learn more about the Caring Alliance’s Caring Economy campaign, and access the full report here.
The report launch event was featured by the BBC.