UPDATES

Meet Paul, a System Controller from Distribution. Paul has been a carer for 5 years and cares for his wife who has Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. We spoke to Paul about what he loves about caring, the challenges that come with it and how NEXT has supported his caregiving.

"I am a carer for my wife in between working, she has chronic fatigue syndrome and is 99% bed bound.  I have been a carer for 5 years. My favourite thing about caring is knowing that I look after my wife to the best of my ability.

Some of the biggest challenges are managing work/life balance and feeling reluctant to have time out from caring and going out to do what I enjoy. I manage the balance between my responsibilities at work and my caring role at home because we have a carer/PA who comes for 2 hours each day while I am at work, although we are trying to get extra funding for more care.

The support from the Able community and particularly Anna Button has been invaluable, and have made quite a few long distance “friends” within Next as a result.

For Carers Week, one thing I want people to know is that even though it can be challenging at times and trying to balance work and caring role plus leisure time isn’t easy, I wouldn’t change anything."

Meet James, a Senior Business Analyst at NEXT. We spoke to James about his caring experience and what this means to him. 

"Since 2018, my wife and I have cared for our son, Reuben, who has spina bifida, hip dysplasia, syringomyelia, autism, and cognitive delays.

The most rewarding part of being his carer is empowering him to live life to the fullest. Seeing the independence his first wheelchair gave him, allowing him to keep up with his siblings, was an incredible feeling. However, the hardest part is navigating his growing awareness of his differences and the frustration that comes with it.

Balancing work and care has been manageable thanks to an open dialogue with my managers, allowing for flexibility when Reuben needs me. The support from my employer has been amazing, starting with extra leave when he was born and understanding the numerous hospital appointments. The ABLE community has also been a vital resource for advice and support.

Caring for Reuben is the hardest thing I've ever done, but it has taught me so much and made me a better person. As my wife says, our eldest made us parents, but Reuben made us better people."

Since starting at NEXT in late November, I've found a welcoming and supportive environment with many wellbeing resources for employees with additional needs.

The ABLE community is a key group providing support and a positive community to discuss issues and how our differing abilities affect our lives and how we manage them.

Diagnosed with AuADHD early and recently medicated for ADHD, I still sometimes struggle with time management at work. A common symptom, "Hyperfocus," can make me lose track of other tasks. However, colleagues and managers gently guide me when needed, like during Replen, helping me refocus without making me feel inadequate.

The supportive culture means I rarely need to ask for help. Everyone looks out for each other, naturally assisting where they can, especially during busy periods. I'm very grateful for this inclusive and uplifting atmosphere.

Tristan Elliott
NEXT Gateshead Metrocentre

Did you know that NEXT is a Disability Confident Employer? We have just renewed our Disability Confident status for another 3 years. This is as a result of the hard work that our staff, network members and volunteers put in to make our brand, and our organisation as inclusive and accessible as we can.