Supporting Working Carers

If you have been out of the workplace for some time, or never worked at all, it can be very difficult to think about returning to work and hard to know where to start. In Manchester, there is a range of courses for carers giving you a great opportunity to learn new skills and recognise skills that you already have, many of which you will have gained through caring.

"I had a good chat with a very helpful young lady and she offered me all sorts of help. I was amazed at how much was available".

That's the experience of one carer who visited Jobcentre Plus. If you'd like to know more about what they can do for you, contact Jobcentre Plus on 0845 604 3719 for a chat. 

They have personal advisors trained to understand carers' needs who can talk to you about training, part-time work, voluntary work, job search, work trials, self employment, and in-work financial help. You can get a 'better off' calculation so you can decide what your best option. Also offered is funding for replacement care costs for approved training courses.

It won't affect any benefits you may be in receipt of and there's no obligation to do anything else. Alternatively visit the Direct Gov site to access a wide range of information on all areas of employment, or contact your local Jobcentre Plus office and ask to speak to an advisor about Work Focused Support for Carers.