If you are a carer, we can help with…
Employer support
Your team cares – so should you!
Carers Count Kirklees & Calderdale are working in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board to raise awareness of carers in the workplace and promote more carer-friendly workplaces.
Unpaid carers are a hidden workforce within many organisations, and without proper support, employers risk losing valuable talent.
The numbers
- 1 in 7 employees care for a family member or loved one
- 600 people leave the workforce each day in the UK due to caring responsibilities
- Replacing an employee can cost up to £30,000 when factoring in recruitment, training, and lost productivity.
How we can help
We work with employers to build inclusive, supportive workplaces where unpaid carers are recognised and valued, helping organisations to:
- Identify carers in the workplace
- Engage with understanding and flexibility
- Support through practical policies and culture
To support your journey, we have created an informative program to help you get started.
Step 1– Employer Awareness training- If you would like to know more about support for employees who care, join us for a 30-minute online session to find out more and meet the team.
Step 2– Register your interest using our registration form
Step 3- Book your one to one Teams call to start the conversation. Contact annmarie.brabiner@carerscount.org.uk or sharon.daley@cloverleaf-advocacy.co.uk
Step 4– Join us at our upcoming quarterly forum, encourage staff to join our future online training session or pop along to our employer drop-in.
Fill out our referral form below.
If you would like to learn more about how to support employees who are unpaid carers, join us for a 30-minute online session to find out more and meet the team.
Upcoming dates for the 30 minute online awareness sessions
Tuesday 18th August – more details coming soon
Thursday 3rd September 10-10.30am (click here to register)
Tuesday 13th October – more details coming soon
Thursday 5th November 10-10.30am (click here to register)
Our forums are a great way for employers to learn more about supporting carers in the workplace, share knowledge, explore best practices, and raise awareness.
Wednesday 9th September 2026 10-11.30am Rimani House, Calderdale (click here to register)
Thursday 10th September 2026 – 10am-12 noon The Zone, Huddersfield (click here to register)
Your team cares—so should you! Join our free online employer training session, part of the West Yorkshire Healthy Working Life initiative.
Designed for managers, HR teams, mental health first aiders, and anyone supporting staff wellbeing, this session will help you to:
- Understand legal duties and carers’ rights
- Recognise and support unpaid carers in your workforce
- Reduce the risk of discrimination
- Manage flexible working with confidence
All staff are welcome to join the training, we look forward to seeing you there!
Online training dates
Wednesday 8th July 2026 10-11.30am (Click here to register)
Tuesday 18th August 2026 2-3.30pm (Click here to register)
Tuesday 13th October 2026 1.30-3pm (Click here to register)
We would like to thank all the employers who work with us in partnership to support carers in the workplace. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Carers have the right to take an additional one week’s unpaid leave from their job every 12 months if they need it to care for their dependent. The leave can be taken in single or half days with only three days’ notice, giving flexibility to carers for any urgent needs of their loved ones.
Employers cannot refuse the leave, but it can be postponed where it is believed that the operations of the business would be seriously disrupted.
How do I know if I’m entitled to the leave?
To be entitled to the carer’s leave, you must care for a loved one with a long-term care need. This means they must have a physical or mental illness that requires care for more than three months, a disability that is stated under the Equality Act of 2010, or require care for reasons connected with their old age.
Is there a minimum probation requirement?
There is no minimum probation requirement to be entitled to this leave. Employees can request this leave from the start of their employment.
Kirklees Council support working carers and is an active member of the Carers UK Business Forum, Employers for carers. Carers Count are working with Kirklees Council and Carers UK to raise awareness of available online resources.
Discover how Carers UK can help you and your organisation to support the carers in your workplace through their Employers for Carers and Carer Confident programmes: Home | EfC and Support for employers | Carers UK
Digital Drop-in Sessions
Need help with your phone, tablet, or laptop? Not sure how to use the NHS app, book a food shop, fill in online forms, or stay safe online? Our friendly Digital Drop-in service is here to guide you – come along and get the support you need!
Dewsbury Drop-In
- Every fortnight on a Tuesday at 10am – 12 noon
- Empire House, Wakefield Old Road, Dewsbury, WF12 8DJ
Huddersfield Drop-In
- Every week on a Wednesday at 1-3pm
- S2R Create Space, 5-7 Brook Street, Huddersfield, HD1 1EB
Digital support
If you are struggling with technology and would like help to access the internet, online groups, or other services, Carers Count could offer you support. We have been working with Kirklees Council to help ensure that every carer in Kirklees can access the digital services they need to.
As part of this project, we can offer advice and assistance on topics including:
- Purchasing a suitable device
- Installing Wi-Fi at home
- Joining virtual meetings
If you are a carer who needs support, or you know of a carer who needs help with technology, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Alternatively, you can also find excellent guides for carers who are beginners, intermediates or experts in technology by visiting the Mobilise website: Mobilise – Digital skills for carers
How to access virtual meetings
Carers Count regularly host events on Teams and Zoom, including webinars for carers, our popular Lunch and Learn sessions, and online support groups.
To join an online meeting, you will need an email address. Carers Scotland has a great video on how to set one up here: Carer Scotland – Setting Up Email for Beginners
For simple instructions on how to join a Zoom or Teams meeting, please watch the following videos:
Joining a Zoom Meeting – YouTube
Useful links
Information / Resources
(downloads & links)
Armed Forces and Veterans
Here, you will find valuable links and resources to organisations dedicated to supporting those who care for veterans and active members of the armed forces, including the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force. These resources are designed to assist not only the veterans and service members but also their families, ensuring comprehensive support for all involved.
National services and resources
Autism
If you are caring for a loved one with Autism, we can support you with financial, health and wellbeing advice and practical guidance to help you access the services you need to lighten the load.
From local support groups to national resources and even benefits assessments, if our team can’t help with your specific requirements, we will signpost you to the service that best suits your needs.
Local services and resources
National services and resources
Bereavement
Losing someone that we care for affects everyone differently. We understand that during such a difficult time you may need help to manage both the emotional and practical demands that come with that loss.
Our team is on hand to guide you on how to access the right support for your particular needs. We also offer continued assistance and support once you have stopped caring, for whatever reason.
Here, you can access dedicated resources and support tailored specifically for those going through a bereavement.
Local services and resources
National services and resources
- GOV.UK – What to do when someone dies: step by step
- Citizens Advice – What to do after a death
- NHS – Grief, bereavement and loss
- Tell us once -Tell Us Once is a service that lets you report a death to most government organisations in one go.
- Suicide Bereavement UK – Immediate Support Resources
- The Good Grief Trust
- At a Loss – helping bereaved people find support
- Childhood Bereavement Network
- Samaritans
Cancer
Watching someone you care for go through cancer or going through cancer yourself can be incredibly challenging. Here, you will find a list of organisations that can offer support and assistance.
National services and resources
Care planning and support
Care planning is crucial because it ensures that both the carer and the person they care for receive the necessary support. Below are some helpful organisations and resources for support and care planning.
Marie Curie Helper West Yorkshire
The Marie Curie Helper Service is a befriending service offering face-to-face visits giving companionship, emotional support, practical help and respite support. They have a team of volunteers, both male and female, with ages that range from 18 to 80 and they have speakers of Urdu, Hindu. Punjabi and Portuguese. Their volunteers are fully trained, and DBS checked and provide weekly three-hour visits offering everything from a chat and a cup of tea with someone to visiting the theatre. Matches with volunteers are made carefully with a volunteer in their locality and with similar interests and hobbies. Referrals can be easily made by either emailing frances.glover@mariecurie.org.uk or phoning 07747 631097.
Local services and resources
- The Care Navigation Service – Kirklees Council
- Free legal advice clinics West Yorkshire
- Kirklees Council – personal assistants
- Kirklees Council – Home adaptations
- Carers Trust Mid Yorkshire
- Kirklees Care Services Directory
- Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees
National services and resources
Carer Wellbeing
We know that being a carer can be both rewarding and isolating. It’s vital that you know where to get the right support to make sure that your own health and wellbeing don’t suffer in your caring role.
We’re here to help you access support, groups, courses, and wellbeing sessions to help give you that bit of headspace. Looking after your own health and wellbeing is important for you and the person you care for.
Local services and resources
National services and resources
Creative Activities
Here you will find a wide range of activities to help you relax and enhance your wellbeing a carer.
Local services and resources
National services and resources
Dementia and Alzheimer’s
We recognise that caring for a loved one, family member or friend with dementia or Alzheimer’s can bring its own set of unique challenges. We understand that the support you need changes over time and can often be hard to predict. They are many services and support networks available to support you as a carer and the person you are caring for.
Local services and resources
- Kirklees Dementia Hub
- Carers Trust Mid Yorkshire
- CLEAR or Community Links provide activities for people living with dementia.
- Community Plus
- Denby Dale Dementia Group
- Hoot Creative
- The Kirkwood
- Happy Memories Support Group
National services and resources
Digital Support
In today’s digital age, everything is online. Here, you’ll find resources to help you get connected and navigate the online world with ease.
Local services and resources
National services and resources
Domestic Abuse
Here, you will find a list of local and national organisations dedicated to helping individuals affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. These organisations offer a range of services, including crisis intervention, counselling, support, and safe housing. Whether you need immediate assistance or ongoing support, these resources are designed to provide the help and guidance you need to navigate these challenging situations. Remember, you are not alone, and there are people and services ready to support you every step of the way.
Local services and resources
- Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership – (PDAP)
- Kirklees, Calderdale & Wakefield Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre
National services and resources
Education
Here you will find information regarding educational opportunities for carers.
Local services and resources
National services and resources
Emergency Planning
Falling ill is something that can happen to anyone. For carers, this can bring added anxiety about leaving their loved ones without support. While it’s natural to worry, creating a contingency plan can help ease these fears by ensuring someone is available to provide care in your absence.
Carers Trust Mid Yorkshire Emergency Planning
If you are an unpaid family carer who lives in the Kirklees area, you could access free support to help you maintain your caring role should you become:
- unwell
- have a personal emergency
- reach a crisis point
- need additional short-term support
Carers Trust will send an Emergency Support Worker who will stay with the person requiring support for up to three days, for a maximum of 12 hours per day between 8am and 9pm. Not including overnight support. If continued support is required, they will work with you to arrange longer-term plans.
Anyone can make a referral to the emergency care service at any time of need or you can pre-register by contacting them on 01484 537036 or email info@CTMY.org.uk
Resources
Employment
Here you will find resources to support you during employment.
Local services and resources
National services and resources
End of Life
Here you will find resources and support to help you navigate caring for someone with a terminal illness.
Local services and resources
National services and resources
Finance and Housing
Here you will find a wealth of useful information and resources to help you navigate finance and housing when caring for someone or living with ill health, mental ill-health or a disability.
Local services and resources
- Kirklees Council – Cost of Living Support
- Kirklees Council – Local Welfare Provision
- Warm Welcome UK – Find a Space
- Better Off Kirklees – Benefits Entitlement and How to Apply
- Kirklees Council – Join the housing register
- Kirklees Council – local welfare provision
- Connect housing – affordable homes West Yorkshire
- Horton housing West Yorkshire
- Fusion Housing
National services and resources
Later life
Here you will find valuable help and support for caring for someone in the later stages of their lives. Whether you’re a family member, friend, or professional caregiver, these resources are designed to provide guidance and assistance.
Local services and resources
- Kirklees Home Care Services
- Home Instead Calderdale
- Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees
- University of Huddersfield – University of the Third Age
National services and resources
Learning Disabilities
Welcome! Here you will find valuable help and support for caring for someone with a learning disability. Whether you’re a family member, friend, or professional caregiver, these resources are designed to provide guidance and assistance.
Local services and resources
- Luv2meetu Group
- Kirklees Involvement Network
- Learning Disability Carers Voice
- Kirklees Community Enablement Team
- West Yorkshire Partnership Live Well
- Second Chance – life after a brain injury
National services and resources
Mental ill-Health and Drug and Alcohol Dependency
Here you can find a wealth of useful resources to help you care for someone with mental ill-health and drug and alcohol dependency. Whether you’re a family member, friend, or professional caregiver, these resources are designed to provide guidance and support.
Local services and resources
- Carers Count Mental Health Service
- Working Together Better Partnership Leaflet
- Kirklees Wellness Service
- South West Yorkshire Partnership Wellbeing Guide
- S2R – Wellbeing Pack
- CLEAR Groups in Kirklees
- Kirklees Recovery College
- CHART Kirklees Drug and Alcohol Support
- Andys Man Club
- IAPT
- Kirklees Mental Health Self Advocacy Group
National services and resources
Parent Carers
Here you will find a variety of useful resources specifically designed to support parent carers. Whether you’re caring for a child with special needs, a chronic illness, or any other condition, these resources aim to provide guidance, support, and practical advice.
Local services and resources
- PCAN – Parents of Children with Additional Needs
- Kirklees Local Offer
- KIAS – Information, advice, support in Kirklees
- Carers Trust Mid Yorkshire – Children’s Services
- Kirklees Community Directory
- SENTAS – Special Needs Transport
- Northorpe Hall – Child and Family Trust
- Ruddis Retreat – Accessible holidays for seriously ill children
National services and resources
Parkinsons
Here you will find help and support for caring for someone with Parkinsons.
National services and resources
Safeguarding
Here you will find a variety of safeguarding resources designed to help protect and support individuals, especially vulnerable groups such as children, elderly, and those with disabilities. These resources aim to ensure safety, well-being, and rights are upheld.
Local services and resources
National services and resources
Sensory Impairment
Here you will find valuable help and support for caring for someone with a sensory impairment. Whether you’re a family member, friend, or professional caregiver, these resources are designed to provide guidance and assistance.
Local services and resources
- Kirklees Visual Impairment Network
- Kirklees Council Sensory Services
- Northern Powergrid Priority Services Register
National services and resources
Young Carers
Here you will find a variety of resources to support young carers.
National services and resources
