Leaving employment to become a full-time carer can be a tough decision to make, and with seven million carers currently living in the UK it’s a decision that many people have had to face. Whilst many find caring for their family a very rewarding role, financial matters can make it hard to continue. As many as 60% of people have used all their savings to cover the cost of caring and that’s only set to increase.
Spending many years as the primary carer for her husband, Joanne approached RAISE for support in transitioning back into full time employment following his death. Since her carer role ended, she had been living off her savings and wanted to get back into employment but struggled with her lack of confidence brought on by the prospect of going back into interviews after so long.
The transition from carer back into employment can feel like a huge step, but with the support of her key worker at RAISE, Joanne was able to go through some simple interview techniques that she was able to use for a job interview she had coming up. Looking at the skills and interests she already had, she was able to tailor her job search around roles she had experience in and successfully get through to interview stage.
With continued support from RAISE, she was able to confidently attend her interview. Eagar to continue her personal development, Joanne's key worker spoke to her about what other courses she could have access to, and suggested she attend confidence building courses My Turn and Change it at The Women’s Organisation.
“I really enjoyed the courses, they were interesting, and it was great to interact with others. I would highly recommend the Better Off Finance programme to others”
Since the programme, Joanne has now moved into employment and is thinking about moving into her own home. She is now working with her keyworker to put together a typical budget for household bills and has been able to get advice on renting prices.
With the number of carers set to increase by 3.4 million in 2030, it’s more important than ever that there is support available for people thinking about becoming a carer or going back into employment.
Spending many years as the primary carer for her husband, Joanne approached RAISE for support in transitioning back into full time employment following his death. Since her carer role ended, she had been living off her savings and wanted to get back into employment but struggled with her lack of confidence brought on by the prospect of going back into interviews after so long.
The transition from carer back into employment can feel like a huge step, but with the support of her key worker at RAISE, Joanne was able to go through some simple interview techniques that she was able to use for a job interview she had coming up. Looking at the skills and interests she already had, she was able to tailor her job search around roles she had experience in and successfully get through to interview stage.
With continued support from RAISE, she was able to confidently attend her interview. Eagar to continue her personal development, Joanne's key worker spoke to her about what other courses she could have access to, and suggested she attend confidence building courses My Turn and Change it at The Women’s Organisation.
“I really enjoyed the courses, they were interesting, and it was great to interact with others. I would highly recommend the Better Off Finance programme to others”
Since the programme, Joanne has now moved into employment and is thinking about moving into her own home. She is now working with her keyworker to put together a typical budget for household bills and has been able to get advice on renting prices.
With the number of carers set to increase by 3.4 million in 2030, it’s more important than ever that there is support available for people thinking about becoming a carer or going back into employment.
For more information about caring you can check out the following resources:
About us:
Better Off Finance is offering residents of the Liverpool City Region who are currently unemployed (although don't have to be claiming benefits), a bespoke programme of support.
This support will be provided at a local community venue or at home if a participant prefers.
Each participant will be linked up with their own key worker who will support them to:
Improve their financial capability through 1-2-1 support and group work
• Access employability sessions within the programme
• Access a Level 2 Accredited ‘Money Mentor’ opportunity
• Progress into training and education opportunities
• Prepare and progress into sustainable employment.
Please contact us via our Facebook or Twitter pages to make a referral or for further information.
Better Off Finance is a program jointly funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and European Social Fund as part of the Building Better Opportunities Initiative
