Carers Week is an annual campaign, raising awareness of caring, highlighting the challenges unpaid carers face, and recognising 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. The campaign is brought to life by thousands of individuals and organisations who come together to support carers, run activities, highlight the vital role carers play in our communities and draw attention to just how important caring is.
This is an opportunity for us give back locally to some of the UK's 6.5 million unpaid carers whom have taken on huge challenges as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. With 1 in 8 employees now have caring responsibilities and the 4.5 million became unpaid carers during the Covid-19 pandemic in a matter of weeks, many have had to provide more care while dealing with financial pressures and increased levels of isolation.
Earlier data from Carers Census, Scotland, 2018/19 suggests around 8 in 10 carers experienced an impact on their emotional well-being due to their caring role. Around 6 in 10 carers experienced impacts on their health and life balance due to their caring role. The data also indicates that for around 1 in 4 carers, providing care made them feel valued.
Did you know that the census told us 94% of young carers experienced an impact on their emotional well-being due to their caring role whilst adult carers experienced an impact on their. Young carers were more likely to be recorded as needing short breaks or respite (81% compared to 48% of adult carers) and counselling or emotional support (59% compared to 24% of adult carers).
Based on the 9,980 records for which information on the support provided (or intending to be provided) to carers was available, around 9 in 10 carers were provided with advice and information and around 1 in 5 carers were provided with short breaks or respite. Young carers were more likely to be provided with counselling or emotional support (60% compared to 14% of adult carers) and short breaks or respite (45% compared to 17% of adult carers).
Whatever age you are, whatever support you have been provided, we are certain that as a carer having someone listen to and care for you, is invaluable. Join us at Symposium Crimon on 12th June between 10am and 12 noon for a drop in.
Alternatively, Morag @ Moonstir is a qualified psychotherapist specialising in stress and anxiety. If you’d like to arrange a private session in confidence, please give her a call on 07485 683779 or email morag@moonstir.co.uk.