Carers play a vital role in supporting people who are frail, ill or disabled, but can also become vulnerable in the process. Caring can bring many rewards, and there is nothing more fulfilling than helping our loved ones get the most out of life. However, there is also nothing more difficult than focusing on someone else’s needs without neglecting your own.
Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.
Carers need to be recognised for this demanding role and the difficulties they experience. They need to be respected for the work they are doing, provided with correct information, and given the support they need to care safely. This year the theme for Carers Week is; Make Caring Visible, Valued and Supported.
Unpaid carers face many challenges, including basic first aid knowledge and access to the necessary equipment to make caring easier. Caring is not an easy role, and should be recognised in all areas of life, and respected by everyone in society. Access to information and support should be available where and when they need it.
A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who has a disability, illness, mental health condition, addiction, or who needs extra help as they grow older. It isn’t someone who volunteers or is employed to provide support.
Around 6.5 million people in the UK are carers, looking after a parent, partner, child or friend.
Carers week takes place between 6 – 12 June 2022 and is supported by Carers UK and six other charities. These charities joined with the Minister for Care and Mental Health, Gillian Keegan MP, for a roundtable on 31 March 2022 to highlight the need to better recognise and support the millions of unpaid carers supporting family and friends in our communities.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on carers. To mark the start of Carers Week, the discussion explored the support carers need to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the challenges they continue to face in getting suitable breaks and relief from their caring responsibilities. Discussions also focussed on how Carers Week can raise awareness to ensure carers are more visible, valued and supported.
Did you know, as a carer you can get a full benefits check to see what financial support you may be eligible for? The Carer's Allowance is the main carer's benefit, but this could also include tax credits, council tax discounts or help with fuel costs. It is a good idea to get a benefits check to make sure you and the person you are looking after are claiming all the benefits you are entitled to.
Providing full time, or even part time care can be very physically and mentally demanding, so it's important to find out what practical support is available. This support could include equipment to make caring easier or information about local support groups that can help. All carers are entitled to a carer’s assessment from their local council. This will allow you or the person you are caring for to get additional help or support.
Caring can be very isolating and lonely, but there are lots of different ways that you can connect with people in similar situations. You can find local support groups for you to attend in person, or benefit from the wealth of online forums.
To find out more about your rights, tailored to your situation, take a look at Upfront - Carers UK's online tool, or read their Carers’ Rights Guide for more information.
In the next 20 years, it's expected that over nine million people will become an unpaid carer and offer support for a loved one or friend. It’s vital that these carers get the help they need to look after themselves and others.
We all have a role to play in helping make caring Visible, Valued and Supported, whether it's by providing support to a member of your local community group or connecting with a family member or friend who is caring for someone.
You can find out more about Carers Week and how to get involved here: www.carersweek.org
Sources:
https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/news/2017-11-24/four-ways-carers-told-us-they-can-be-better-supported
https://www.carersuk.org/news-and-campaigns/campaigns/carers-week