A West Cumbrian charity is encouraging working carers to come together to help 'Make Caring Visible' - the slogan of this year's carers week.

West Cumbria Carers supports people who care for a relative or friend without being paid for this role.

However, with one in seven carers also working alongside their caring duties in the UK, the charity has teamed up with Sellafield to launch a Workplace Carers Champion scheme.

Suzanne Pender is the chairman of the family support network at Sellafield and, of which the carers sub-group is also part.

Suzanne said: “This is a challenging time for everyone, but particularly people with caring responsibilities, many of whom are not visible in our community.

"The Sellafield Carers Group can provide peer support and sign-posting, helping employees to manage both their home and work commitments more effectively.”

Stephen Scott, who is leading the carers sub-group, said: “A workplace Carers Champion is someone who, through training, is aware of the stresses and strains a working carer may be facing and how West Cumbria Carers can support them.

"It is possible that a carer may not actually identify as such in the workplace, but through approaching and chatting with a Carers Champion feels comfortable enough to talk about their caring responsibilities with them. I am proud to be leading the carers sub-group who help signpost the Sellafield Ltd workforce to possible available help.”

Carers week runs from Monday and West Cumbria Carers is encouraging people to take part in its Cupcakes4Carers on Wednesday between 10am and 2pm.

Normally poeple would be invited to their office for a cuppa and some cake. But with the current coronavirus restrictions, they are asking people to share their #Cupcakes4Carers pictures with us on social media.