We’re delighted to share that Reach Learning Disability has officially been awarded the Carer Friendly Organisation Quality Mark by Nottinghamshire Carers Association, recognising our commitment to supporting unpaid carers. This award is a significant milestone that reflects our deep and ongoing commitment to supporting unpaid carers—particularly the family carers who play such a vital role in the lives of the people we support.

Over the past year, we’ve worked closely with Diane Naylor and the team at Nottinghamshire Carers Association to review and strengthen our support for family carers. Through this partnership, we’ve taken meaningful steps to ensure that carers feel seen, valued, and supported across all areas of our work. Together, we’ve achieved:

• 43 staff members have completed Carer Awareness training, helping to embed a deeper understanding of carers’ needs across our organisation.
• We hosted a dedicated Carers Event during Carers Week, providing a space for carers to connect, share experiences, and access information and support.
• We appointed three Carers Champions: Sarah Wagstaff, Tina Farrell and Fiona Fitzsimmons; who will continue to lead on carer engagement and advocacy within Reach.
• We’ve actively promoted carer awareness across all five of our Reach Centres.
• We’ve continued to offer socials, workshops, resources and signposting for family carers.

The award was presented to us by Diane Naylor at our recent Staff Team Building Day, where we celebrated this important achievement together as a team. We’re incredibly grateful to Nottinghamshire Carers Association for their guidance and support throughout this journey.

From left: Fiona Fitzsimmons, Reach Staff and Carers Champion; Sarah Wagstaff, Reach Carers Manager; Diane Naylor, Nottinghamshire Carers Association; and Mark Bramble, Reach Trustee.

If you or anyone you know is caring for somebody with a learning disability and would like support, please contact Sarah Wagstaff, Reach Carers Manager by email at sarah.wagstaff@reachuk.org.