Who cares?
Carer [noun] /’keərə(r [1] Cares (unpaid) for family or friends who have a disability, illness or who need support in later life: Washing them. And their laundry. And their dishes. Keeping appointments. And records. And tempers. Giving medicine. And time. And hugs. Filling forms. And fridges. And silences. Dealing with doctors. And nurses. And pharmacists. And social workers. And benefits agencies. And care workers. And a lack of sleep. [2] Needs support to manage a life of their own.
(Definition provided by Carers Week*)
It is estimated that there are up to 6.5 million people in the UK who are unpaid carers. They are looking after a family member or friend who has a disability, mental or physical illness or who needs extra help as they grow older. They save the economy £132 billion per year. During the recent pandemic. Carers UK estimate that this number went up to over 13 million. This number includes many members of the AJR and their families.
The 7 June – 13 June is Carers Week and in a world where many groups of people or worthy causes have their week, Carers Week is an opportunity for us to show our respect and appreciation. Why? Because so many people who provide the practical, emotional, financial or “don’t worry, I’ll do that for you” type of support do not see themselves as a carer.
People provide support for many reasons – because it is for family; out of necessity; because it is just what you do, or because they enjoy helping others. They deserve to be recognised for the amazing roles they play. The daily telephone call and shopping dropped off once a week with the chat on the doorstep can be just as vital as the lifts to the hospital or the personal care that another gives on a daily basis. All count as carers’ roles.
But caring can have a huge impact on all aspects of life, from relationships and health to finances and work. Carers have faced increasingly challenging circumstances because of the COVID-19 pandemic and many are having to provide more care while dealing with financial pressures and significant levels of isolation.
The AJR has always recognised the crucial work of unpaid family carers. Our Carer Support Coordinator provides a number of services such as Practical and emotional support; one to one telephone support; face to face support (in the garden at present); self-help groups for those caring for their spouse; well-being workshops including mediation, resilience and self-care; referrals and signposting; topical talks monthly and events such as guided painting.
This year the theme of Carers Week is “Making Carers Visible and Valued”. So, the AJR want to not just raise the profile of carers and salute them publically, we would also like to thank them personally. We would like anyone who has received support or care from a family member or friend, or if you support someone else, to let us know – a quick email to [email protected] or call us on 07951 796 202.
So many of us have received a carer’s support. Now is an opportunity to say thank you and let these wonderful people know that we recognise and value them.
* 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. It also helps people who don’t think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support
