Carers Week is an annual awareness campaign to recognise the vital contribution made by unpaid carers across the UK.
This year’s Carers Week campaign (8-14 June), supported locally by Carers Leeds and citywide partners is asking people come together and help “Make Caring Visible.”
Leeds has at least 74,000 unpaid carers, and more people are taking on extra caring responsibilities at this time, for their relatives and friends who are disabled, ill or older and who need support. Caring roles are many and varied – including those who support people living with dementia, those who care for children with additional needs, those caring for people who have mental illness, those who care for their parents due to disability or age.
During the coronavirus lockdown, many carers are experiencing the added challenge of caring for someone 24/7, when previously there were groups, activities and support for their loved one to be part of in their weekly routine. Charities and services have adapted to provide as much support as they can in other ways, but life is not the same.
Those looking after someone should be recognised for the difficulties they are experiencing, respected for all they are doing, and provided with information, support and understanding.
There will be many people we can think of in our own families, friendship groups and throughout our community at Moortown who are carers. Perhaps you yourself are a carer…
What can we do to help?
- Raise awareness
– Add Your Voice on the Carers Week Website or on social media to help make caring
visible using the hashtag #CarersWeek
- Recognise the impact of caring
– Talk to carers and help them to access the support services in our community, for
example, put them in touch with Carers Leeds (details below) or let them know about
the ‘Looking after someone guide’ (updated coronavirus information on this page):
https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/get-resources/looking-after-someone
- Do something for carers
– Could you reach out to someone who you know is caring, in a time when they may be
feeling isolated? A telephone call, a card or letter could help make that connection.
-Could you start a zoom group for people you know who are carers? It could provide a
time for them to chat or perhaps you could try learning a new skill or craft together?
Carers Leeds is here to provide vital information, advice and support to carers throughout Leeds. Their expert team of Carer Support Workers are available via the advice line which is open Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm. Call 0113 380 4300 or e-mail advice@carersleeds.org.uk.
They also offer free online events every week for carers including wellbeing workshops, relaxation, zumba zooming, and support groups for carers in different situations.
You can read and listen to the moving, challenging and encouraging stories of Leeds carers here: https://www.carersleeds.org.uk/caring-during-lockdown/
Thank you to all the dedicated, wonderful carers out there – you are not forgotten.
Carole Smith (MBC Seniors’ Worker) Shelley Dring (Children and Families Worker)
Shona Shaw (MBC Co-Minister) Graham Brownlee (MBC Co-Minister)