This week (6th-12th June) is the UK’s National Carers Week.
There are currently 6.5 million carers in the UK, many of whom work tirelessly in the background improving and supporting the lives of those they look after.
An online survey, conducted by Carer’s UK (organisers of National Carers Week), received responses from 6,149 carers, whose answers were used to compile their research report “Building Carer-Friendly Communities”.
This report describes how inadequate support from local services exacerbates the negative effect on the health, wellbeing, relationships and finances carers experience in caring for a disabled, older or ill family member or friends. This effect is worsened when the overall community has a lack of understanding about the role of the carer.
Three-Quarters of Carers Feel Misunderstood or Under-Valued
Three-quarters of carers (74%) with some of the most intensive caring responsibilities say their community does not understand or value their caring role. This means there is likely to be high numbers of carers struggling to balance other areas of their lives alongside caring.
As one carer cited in the report explained “As a carer attempting to get understanding, advice, support and emergency care from the ‘community’ – such as GP, public transport, social services, dentist pharmacies and hospitals – it can be very challenging, exhausting and beyond stressful.”
This report is well timed with a new Carers’ Strategy in development in England, and new governments forming across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The seven charities driving Carers Week are calling for adequate funding for social care support to be prioritised by newly elected Governments and Assemblies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and by the UK Government.
Improving the lives of Carers
Carers Week is calling on individuals, organisations and governments to think about what they can do to improve the lives of carers in their community.
This campaign is striving to create change and increase the support carers are able to utilise. In the interim it seems that carers are likely to need to find ways to manage the negative effects their role brings about for health, wellbeing, relationships and finances.
For example, stress and depression can affect anyone, but the pressure and expectations of caring can make carers particularly vulnerable.
Carers UK suggest that talking to other people who are in a similar situation can really help when you are feeling stressed. They suggest joining a local carers’ group or branch of Carers UK to share your experiences.
Your local carers’ group or local council may also be able to help you get a break from caring even if it’s just a few hours a week. You might like to use this time to do something you enjoy or simply to take a rest.
If joining a group isn’t your thing you could try talking online at the Carers UK website forum where you can meet other carers anonymously, share experiences and find support. Sharing your feelings and problems with family and friends can also be really helpful.
As described in the Carers UK report carers can neglect their own health needs. If you are feeling low in mood and that life is stressful it is important to talk to your GP. Your GP will discuss options with you and it is likely that these will include a spoken therapy such as psychotherapy.
You can download a copy of the report here.
If you are a carer and need support or information then take a look at these sites:
Carers Resource
Carers UK
Independent Living
Young Carers Resource