Carers Week 2020

#makingcarersvisible

 

Making caring visible will help get carers the advice and support they need.

​

Advice and information

Caring can be extremely complicated, now more so than ever before, whether grappling with how to keep you and the person you care for safe, understanding the benefits system, or accessing care services. Too many carers do not know where to turn, or how to get the advice they need. There are many places that provide carers with these resources, including local and national carers' organisations.

Services

Looking after someone can be hard work and carers often miss out on the support services available to them. Over the last few months, the coronavirus crisis has made it harder to know where to turn for support. Getting a carer's assessment, which looks at what support they might need, can be still an important starting point. A break from caring can still be arranged; and services can still help with getting the right equipment to care safely or getting carers support with improving their own well-being. Services can connect carers to a range of support that is available locally and will provide up-to-date information and advice. The more visible carers are to the wider health and care system, the more their contribution and need for support will be recognised. 

Visible to friends, family and at work

Caring can lead to feelings of loneliness and being disconnected from friends and family, as well as, for some, having to balance work and care. Meanwhile social isolation and social distancing has meant that some carers find themselves removed from those normally around them. Greater understanding from friends, family and colleagues about how to support carers can help to combat feelings of loneliness.

Visible to other carers

Sometimes a few words from someone who understands your situation can be a lifeline for carers. Caring can be difficult and isolating, so speaking to someone who knows what they are going through can make a big difference. Carers Week is an opportunity for carers in your community to share experiences and build new friendships. Whether by phone or online, keeping in touch with carers can be of huge importance and can help them feel recognised, supported or loved.

Visible to the general public

Most people don't expect to become unpaid carers, but the reality is that there is a 50:50 chance that any one of us will become one, by the time we are 50 years old. By raising awareness amongst the general public, we can better support carers, help more people anticipate caring in the future, and recognise the huge contribution carers make to society.