This week is National Carers Week (6th-12th June 2022), where unpaid carers everywhere are celebrated. Kaddy Thomas is the Founder of the Carers Collective and is herself a carer to her 16-year-old son Elijah. She’s written this feature exclusively for We Are The City on why we should never overlook the role that unpaid carers play.
Low paid? On benefits? Or perhaps selfless individuals dedicated to helping others?
When in fact a carer is no different to you or I, or anyone else.
Elijah has complex needs resulting in a care package and a full-time team of health professionals. We have been in and out of hospital so many times and I have gained so much experience over the years I am now an expert in managing a complex package of care.
Yet I wanted to know what other carers thought about this subject so when writing this article, I went to some carers in my community and asked them the question – the responses were moving and passionate.
“Becoming an unpaid carer could happen to anyone at any time. It takes one accident, one act of God, one birth, or one death to throw you and your life into chaos.”
This leaves many people with no choice but to pick up the pieces or step into the role of a full-time carer.
“Unpaid carers had dreams, goals, degrees, careers, plans that came to a sudden halt at the birth of our medically fragile/complex children.”
Many of us have to give up work, a few of us receive carers allowance and other benefits and some of us have to change our working lives and jobs to accommodate our caring responsibilities. In many cases, it would cost more to pay for an alternative carer than to forego a salary themselves.
“We are not just an unpaid carer, we have to advocate for our relatives, fight a broken system, break down walls as no-one will help us. We give up our social lives and free time is rare. We have mountains of day-to-day mum and care duties. I could never hold down a job as there are not enough hours in the day, but we are treated like scrounges because we don’t work and it’s exhausting.”
A child or person who requires round-the-clock care would otherwise cost taxpayers for their care.
Without a carer investing their time, effort, and resources in their caring role it would be left up to the government to do it. And we all know that the care system could not cope – it would collapse.
If we look at it from a human perspective, the benefits a carer brings to their loved one are endless.
Many carers I spoke to, say they feel they have no choice and often feel like they’re negotiating with family and friends to cover ‘shifts,’ in a system where they have to shout to be heard.
“Who would have looked after Alby if I wasn’t here? The council gave me fifteen hours, but I was expected to cover the rest and if I didn’t, what would have happened to him? He can’t prepare a meal, make a cup of tea, needs help with personal care etc. We’re expected to pick up the pieces and cover the shortfall from social care.”
As a result, they have become multi-skilled professionals and care coordinators. They think creatively to find solutions and become experts in saving health and social care money because of the role they play. They have excellent communications skills and can liaise with a wide variety of health, medical and social care professionals.
They become excellent project managers, counsellors, and problem solvers – skills which most workplaces would be envious of.
They know the health and social care system inside out as it’s important to know their rights as much as it is the rights of their loved ones.
I recently interviewed several female carers for International Women’s Day. They all had different circumstances and backgrounds – all were inspiring and driven. But what really intrigued me was how their caring roles had impacted their lives in a positive way. One was a campaigner and creates community programmes, bringing people together. Another had trained as a nurse and others had created businesses where they were giving back and sharing the knowledge and expertise, they had accumulated to help other carers and parents navigate this crazy, relentless, and wonderful world that encompasses the life of an unpaid carer.
Kaddy Thomas is the Founder of the Carers Collective, a space for unpaid carers to come together to find connection, support and resources to ease isolation, boost wellbeing and encourage empowerment.
May
13may10:0011:00Breaking the Silence | Menopause & Mental Health at Work
13/05/2025 10:00 - 11:00(GMT+01:00)
Menopause can have a profound impact on mental health and yet it’s often misunderstood, overlooked, or ignored in the workplace. This session is designed to help managers,
You’ll gain:
A clearer understanding of how menopause can affect mental health in the workplace
Confidence to recognise when someone may be struggling
A simple, effective approach to starting supportive wellbeing conversations
Date: Tuesday 13th May 2025
Time: 10:00 – 10.45am
15may10:0011:00Legal Essentials | Supporting Women at Work
15/05/2025 10:00 - 11:00(GMT+01:00)
89% of working women say their health issues negatively affect their work, but only 1 in 3 feel supported by their employer. It’s no longer
It’s no longer enough to raise awareness, organisations must take legally informed, practical action to support women’s health in the workplace.
Join me and Hannah Strawbridge, Employment Lawyer, for this session where we’ll uncover the top legal risks employers face and how to avoid them when it comes to menopause, menstrual health, fertility, pregnancy, and more.
You’ll gain:
A clear understanding of the legal risks around women’s health
Insight into the practical steps you can take
Discover how you can to turn awareness into action
Date: Thursday 15th May 2025
Time: 10:00 – 10.45am
16mayAll DayEmpower Female Founders Conference
16/05/2025 All Day(GMT+01:00)
Kraken Technology Centre
Pariser Building, 168AA, Sackville St, Manchester M1 7JR, M1 7JR
Empower Female Founders is a unique event designed by female founders for female founders,
Equipping them with the tools needed to overcome challenges and achieve success in their entrepreneurial journeys.By providing a supportive community and sharing experiences, Empower Female Founders aims to empower women to redefine their potential, amplify their impact, and thrive in their sector.
In May 2025 we will welcome 100 female founders to this one of a kind event in Manchester.
Empower Female Founders is far from your traditional conference set up. We’ve spoken to our community of Female Founders and we know what’s needed is practical action, answers to the important questions and to gain knowledge from those who have been there and done it.
The day will be built around fast-paced workshop sessions and collaboration providing the opportunity not just to learn but to connect with female founders sharing the same journey.
Our focus is on building confidence, developing a growth mindset, and providing a supportive community that empowers women to overcome challenges and achieve success.
The day will be built around panels featuring Female Founders sharing what’ it’s really like to be a Female Founder, an opportunity to ask fellow Female Founders for their advice as industry experts, celebrating and reframing the narrative around success and ambition.
There will also be an Action learning workshop on Growth Mindset led by Empower Co Founder Beckie Taylor and a fast-paced knowledge share sessions providing the opportunity not just to learn but to connect with female founders sharing the same journey.
09:00 Registration and Networking
09:30 Welcome from Beckie Taylor, Co-Founder, Empower
09:45 Panel : What it’s REALLY like to be a Female Founder
10:30 Action Learning – Female Founder Mindset
11:30 Coffee and Networking
11:45 Panel : Ask The Experts
12:30 Morning Close
12:30 Lunch & Networking
13:30 Welcome Back, Beckie Taylor, Co-Founder, Empower
13:35 Knowledge Share Session
15:15 Coffee and Networking
15:30 Panel – Celebrating Success and Ambition
16:15 Thanks and closing remarks
16:30 Cocktails and Mocktails
18:30 Close
19may18:0020:30The Future of Fairness in Leadership and Business | WBS
19/05/2025 18:00 - 20:30(GMT+01:00)
WBS at the Shard
London, SE1 9SG
This is your chance to engage in powerful dialogue and spark meaningful change in your professional sphere. After the panel discussion, network with peers from across industries
After the panel discussion, network with peers from across industries over drinks and canapés, against the vibrant backdrop of London.
This event is held annually in collaboration with our partners We are the City, Women Engineering Society, Forte, City Women Network and 30% Chair; We are delighted to welcome a distinguished line-up of keynote speakers:
Dr Dawn Eubanks – Associate Professor of Behavioural Science & EI and Panel Chair
Rukasana Bhaijee – Global Head of DEI at the Financial Times. A DEI leader with over 13 years of experience across media, technology, professional services, and higher education. Formerly led DEI for Google’s EMEA tech division and consulted at EY, Rukasana brings deep expertise in strategy, race equity, and inclusive culture change.
Geraldine Gallacher – CEO of the Executive Coaching Consultancy, author of Coaching Women: Changing the System, Not the Person, and City Women Network Board member.
Mark Swain – WBS Client Director & Executive Coach, and Fellow of The Learning and Performance Institute. With over 20 years experience in leadership development Mark has developed a framework supporting Women in Strategy.
Ben Evans – New Business Director, AtkinsRéalis, ED&I Advocate and Warwick MBA Alumnus (2013)
Together, they’ll share their invaluable insights, strategies, and real-world experiences in fostering fairness and driving success in today’s dynamic and changing corporate landscape.
Key Topics Include:
Whether you’re a mid-career professional, an established leader, or an entrepreneur passionate about shaping the future of fairness, this event will leave you inspired and equipped to make a lasting impact.
Free
21may12:0013:00Master the Art of Incredible Interviews | WeAreTheCity & City CV
21/05/2025 12:00 - 13:00(GMT+01:00)
WeAreTheCity & City CV are thrilled to present a
Do interviews leave you feeling uneasy, underprepared or unsure of how to showcase your best self? Are you stuck in a loop of missed opportunities, wondering how to stand out and seal the deal? You’re not the only one. On average, people apply for 27 roles before they land just one interview.
But don’t worry – you’re in the right place. Whether it’s been years since your last interview, you’re chasing a promotion or new role, or simply trying to stay sharp, this free one-hour masterclass will give you the edge to win your next role. Your interview isn’t just a conversation – it’s a marketing pitch where you’re the product. Discover how to demonstrate your value, convince employers you’re the best investment they can make, and leave them thinking, “We’d be foolish not to hire you.”
In this jam-packed session, Victoria McLean, Founder & CEO of City CV, guides you through the art of wowing interviewers. With a proven track record of helping people at all career levels secure their dream roles, Victoria brings decades of expertise, countless success stories and award-winning career strategies to the table.
What you’ll learn:
Looking for more career support? Explore our Career Resources page. Ready to take the next step? Browse the latest opportunities on our Job Board and find your perfect role today!
23may10:0012:00Online* Pelvic Floor Recovery Workshop FREE | Karen Ellis - Postnatal Recovery Expert
23/05/2025 10:00 - 12:00(GMT+01:00)
With former Midwife, Karen Ellis. *Available on replay. Exactly how to rebuild strength in your pelvic floor after pregnancy. All the information you should have got from
All the information you should have got from your midwife about how to recover your pelvic floor PROPERLY after having a baby and how to exercise SAFELY so you can smile with excitement and enjoy the moment when your toddler takes your hand and pulls you towards the bouncy castle instead of the feeling of dread taking over as you decline their invitation.
You are a mum who;
And so you can have dry knickers!
Free