Page 38 - Unfair To Care 2024 - Who Cares Wins
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THE PERSONAL IMPACT
THE REALITIES OF LIFE ON LOW PAY CAN BE BRUTAL.
COMMUNITY INTEGRATED CARE’S WELLBEING FUND HAS AWARDED MORE THAN £200,000 TO 167 PEOPLE SINCE 2018.
SECTION 6: THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS
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Low pay means that many social care workers cannot build a buffer of savings to deal with typical life-shocks. Past editions of Unfair To Care have highlighted how many are in the perilous position of being one demand – a broken boiler or car, a rise in mortgage or rental rates, a partner becoming sick or losing their job role – away from personal disasters, such as becoming homeless.
These are not isolated issues. Community Integrated Care’s Wellbeing Fund – a reserve set aside to help staff deal with the sudden and unmanageable life events – has awarded more than £200,000 to 167 people since 2018. The stories behind these applications are frequently tragic and harrowing, with hardworking people facing unspeakable challenges as they fight to make ends meet.
