The Care Workers’ Charity - Supporting the Heart of Care Technology

0​2 October 2023

B​y Karolina Gerlich CEO, The Care Workers’ Charity

I am delighted to have this opportunity to introduce you to The Care Workers’ Charity. In a world where technology has become part of every aspect of our lives, the care sector is no exception.

The integration of technology and care services has opened innovation and efficiency avenues, promising a brighter future for care providers and recipients. Amid this transformative landscape, it's essential to remember that at the heart of this industry are dedicated care workers who provide essential services day in and day out. Care technologies must support care workers NOT replace them.

The Care Workers’ Charity recognises the tireless efforts of these workers and strives to support them in several keyways:

Grants: Life can be unpredictable, and financial difficulties can strike anyone. Care workers who find themselves facing economic troubles can turn to us for assistance. We provide grants for everything from unexpected housing costs to transportation and white goods, ensuring care workers can continue their essential work with peace of mind. Last year we awarded over £1 million in grants, an impressive 74% increase compared to 2021.

Mental Wellbeing Support: We understand that working in the care sector can be emotionally demanding. That's why we offer free counseling sessions to care workers through Red Umbrella, providing them with a safe space to address their mental health concerns. Additionally, through our Mental Health Fund, Red Umbrella also supplies training in mental health first aid to equip care workers with valuable tools to support their peers as well as a nationally recognised qualification.

Advocacy and Campaigning: We believe care workers' voices should be heard in policy and practice discussions. To achieve this, we run an annual Professional Care Workers’ Week, featuring webinars and roundtable discussions with care workers and other professionals in the sector. We actively participate in various advisory groups, ensuring that care workers' concerns are brought to the forefront of decision-making. Our advocacy efforts focus on four key pillars: improved pay, professional registration, full funding from central government, and enhanced recognition of the vital role care workers play. By championing these causes, we aim to create a more supportive and sustainable environment for care workers.

As CEO of The Care Workers Charity and a former care worker, I am proud of the work we do, but our impact is only possible through collaboration with organisations like TSA and their dedicated employees. By working together, we can ensure that technology-enabled care continues to thrive, driven by a workforce that feels valued and supported.

I invite you to explore our website at thecareworkerscharity.org.uk to learn more about our initiatives and the ways in which you can get involved.

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of care workers and, by extension, the countless individuals who depend on their care.