May 2026 – Learning and Development Session Follow Up: Supporting Unpaid Carers

Thank you to all those who joined our May LVET Learning & Development Session!  It was great to see those who were there, and a great discussion around unpaid carers, how employers can support carers and how to get involved in the Carers Steering Group.

We heard from Sheena from Lincolnshire Carers Service and the fantastic work they’re doing across Lincolnshire supporting unpaid carers (slides here and recording here).  Sheena’s email address is sheena.goodey@carersfirst.org.uk, so do feel free to reach out directly and of course let us know if you’d like us to connect you directly.

It is estimated that there are between 70,000 and 80,000 unpaid carers in Lincolnshire and 1 in 7 people in work are carers so it is quite likely that somebody who works for you, who volunteers with you or who you support is an unpaid carer but less than half access the support that is available to them.  Lincolnshire Carers Service offer Carer Awareness Training, which includes how to identify and support carers, as well as offering free support those in Lincolnshire who would like to become Carer Champions for their organisation.  Find out more here.

There were some interesting discussions on unpaid carers in the county, and the support and resources available too.  We’ve included some links below for everyone to access that come up in the discussions, as well as those in Sheena’s presentation:

• Lincolnshire Carers Service have lots of information on their website, and do take a look at the recording too where Sheena talks through their support offer.
• Sleep Talker CPD Training aimed at those who support carers as well as neurodivergent members of the community and menopausal women too.
• Healthwatch Lincolnshire Carers Report exploring what it’s like it be a carer in Lincolnshire, including the challenges carers face, what is working well in terms of support and understanding how carers could feel better supported.
• HWLincs Carers and Cancer Support Guide which is a useful guide for carers who have cancer, or who care for someone living with cancer.  
• Connect to Support Lincolnshire have a range of resources for carers, including your rights as a carer and carers assessments.

Our next Learning & Development session is on Wednesday 19^th August at 1pm.  Do you have a topic that would make a great Learning & Development Session?  Let us know at hello@lvet.org.