A CARER support service has been shortlisted for an award for the care it provides for its own staff team.Barnsley Carers’ Service, which works alongside local unpaid carers, is a finalist in the Be Well@Work Awards.

The annual awards, operated by Barnsley Council, celebrate employers' commitment to the health and wellbeing of the workforce.

Manager Tara Ramsden entered the awards on behalf of her employer, the adult health and social care charity Making Space.

She said: "We strongly believe that our own mental health and wellbeing needs to take priority in order to enable us to perform our duties to maximum effect.

"Our employee assistance programme helps employees struggling with life change both in and outside of work, provides legal and financial advice and offers a freephone number to call and chat at any time about any issues in the workplace or at home.

"As a new manager, the training and supervision that had been put in place has supported me around issues including absenteeism and helping staff to deal with personal problems. As a result, my first experience of social care management has been extremely positive.

"Staff have flexible working, which is particularly important during the school holidays, and all seven employees have taken part in stress management training.

"Individual training related to personal interests has led to one staff member completing a diploma in mindfulness and another studying nutrition. These opportunities help us to run a better service and provide a huge boost to our employees' morale and career prospects."

The awards night will take place at The Civic tonight.