Many people want to be full time carers but it is also true that for others the chance to take part in paid work or training offers many advantages, for example:

• Social contact and friendship
• Financial independence
• Increased self-esteem

Action for Carers into Employment (ACE) allows you to explore your training or employment options alongside carers and former carers in a safe and supportive environment.

• a short course to enhance your skills and boost your confidence
• ongoing support and information on things like benefits, training and career choices
• practical help with job search, application forms and CV's
• free training courses
• support in securing work placements or voluntary opportunities to gain job relevant training and enhance your personal development
• weekly jobsearch sessions and informal drop in service. Tuesday 1.00 pm - 3.00 pm, Gateway to Care, Carers Gateway, 1st Floor, 30 Market Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2HG
• One to one support - An opportunity to talk through your ideas and concerns about moving into work or training, receive advice and guidance and put together an action plan.

We also work with local employers, training providers and careers and employment services to raise awareness of the needs of carers.

We encourage employers to introduce flexible working practices which recognise and support the needs of carers.

If you are interested in finding out more about the ACE project, fill in the ACE form to receive more information.

Anne cares for her mum who suffers with arthritis and has had hip and knee replacements giving her poor mobility.

Anne herself suffers from mental illness and agoraphobia and has panic attacks. This left her felling very isolated, feeling that her life revolved around caring for her mum. The only break she had was with her partner who she sees at weekends - she felt trapped and had no social life.

Anne contacted Kirklees Council Carers Gateway and after talking over her feelings, it became apparent that she was keen to return to some sort of training that would give her a career. She wanted to work around her caring responsibilities and get a well deserved break from her caring role - a life of her own. Anne was put in touch with Action for Carers and Employment (ACE) project.

After looking for courses in dog grooming and hairdressing, Anne decided to do a hairdressing course which was one night a week for a year. She never thought she would have the confidence to enter training due to her agoraphobia but the ACE project worked alongside her, at Anne's pace, and this inspired confidence in her.

Anne was so excited when she returned to training and looked forward to new challenges.

Anne says "Without Action for Carers into Employment she would never have pursued training". But this opportunity allowed Anne to improve her health, increase her confidence and self esteem and most importantly meet new people.

Anne now looks forward to her future and hopes to succeed as a mobile hairdresser.