Adapting to a ‘new normal’ way of life
16th May 2020
Charlotte visits Woolston-based FLEX-masks to find out more about their new reusable face masks
24th July 2020Adapting to a ‘new normal’ way of life
16th May 2020Charlotte visits Woolston-based FLEX-masks to find out more about their new reusable face masks
24th July 2020Charlotte pledges her support for unpaid carers during Carers Week 2020
This week is Carers Week (8-14 June) and the theme this year is to ‘Make Caring Visible’. Carers Week is an annual event that pays tribute to unpaid carers, raises awareness of caring and highlights the challenges unpaid carers face.
Millions of people across the country have a caring responsibility. 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.
Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, millions of people were providing substantial hours of care a week with little support or recognition.
During the pandemic, carers are going even further to ensure vulnerable people in all our communities are properly cared for. According to new research released for Carers Week, 4.5 million people in the UK have picked up new unpaid caring responsibilities as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. This is on top of the 9.1 million unpaid carers who were already caring before the outbreak, bringing the total to 13.6 million.
While millions of people have a caring responsibility, many often feel isolated. Carers are seven times more likely to say they are lonely than the general population.
We all have a role to play in making sure these carers are seen, heard, and understood and to help ensure they get the support they need.
This Carers Week I am pledging to do whatever I can to raise awareness of the issues many carers face and to highlight these issues whenever I can – both in Parliament and in Warrington. I am also pledging to do what I can to ensure that Warrington North carers know where they can turn to for help and support.
If you care for a relative or a friend, it’s important to know that there is help available out there for you.
In Warrington there are local services such as Wired Carers Centre or the Cheshire and Warrington Carers Trust. The Warrington Wellbeing Service can also provide one-to-one information and advice to help you to look after your own health and wellbeing.
Nationally, help and support is available from Carers UK and NHS Carers Direct Helpline.
Crucially, please remember, you are not alone.
If you know someone who you believe is an unpaid carer and who may benefit from this information, please do share it with them so that they can start to receive the help and support they need