Recognising the need to support staff who may be caring for family and loved ones during lockdown, the bank has enlisted VOCAL to deliver a programme of virtual seminars.

Run by RBS’s Family and Carers Network, the seminars include a carers support circle, a virtual coffee morning and a session on coping with fertility and loss delivered by expert councillors.

Carers Week runs annually, with Royal Bank’s Family and Carers Network delivering a programme of sessions throughout the month of June. 

Debbie Pow, chair of RBS’s Family and Carers Network, said: “The Family and Carers Network is committed to supporting its members and our wider staff who themselves are providing crucial support to loved ones during what is already an incredibly challenging time. By partnering with VOCAL, we hope to provide information, support and training to our members throughout the month.

“While it’s important to mark the hard work and dedication of carers during Carers Week, we appreciate that the challenges of being a carer are not limited to one month and we run various events and seminars throughout the year.”

Sebastian Fischer, chief executive of VOCAL, added: “Balancing employment and caring responsibilities at home is challenging at the best of times. Now, with many care services and networks suspended due to Coronavirus, carers are facing even tougher challenges.

“We are delighted to join forces with Royal Bank of Scotland – between us we can offer a range of information and help, from care planning, emotional, practical and even financial support to flexible working. Working together for carers can make a big difference to their lives.”

• Read all of our articles relating to COVID-19 here.