Special week recognises those who care
Carers Week 2021 aims to raise awareness of caring but also encourage people who don’t think of themselves as carers to recognise the invaluable work they do and the support available to them.
The national campaign this year takes place from 7 to 13 June. It highlights the challenges unpaid carers face and recognises the contribution they make not only to their families, but also their community.
Carers UK estimate there are currently 9.1 million people in the UK providing care, this can range from supporting a few hours a week with shopping and paying bills, to emotional support, to more complex and demanding support 24 hours a day.
As a result of the covid pandemic many more people have taken on new caring responsibilities (4.5million – Carers UK 2020) many of whom may be juggling work and care. Caring can be rewarding but it can also be demanding and take its toll emotionally and physically, which is why it is important for people who are caring to know what support is available for them and the person they care for.
A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who has a disability, illness, mental health condition, or who needs extra help as they grow older. Tens of thousands of people provide this support to a loved one but may not recognise that they are in fact providing care and are eligible for support.
This year organisation are coming together to ‘Make Caring Visible and Valued.’ Dudley Carers Hub is currently working with organisations across Dudley borough to offer a range of activities to celebrate the week.
Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and adult social care said:
Our carers provide an invaluable service to their loved ones, but also to the wider community, providing a network of support, often while living busy, demanding lives of their own.
So many people care for their loved ones without even realising the importance of the work they are doing or that they are in actual fact a carer, with a whole avenue of support available to them.
I hope this Carers Week helps people to pause, think and thank those around them for the contribution they make in our communities.
Dudley Council buildings will be lighting up blue on Thursday 10 June in recognition of the support and contribution unpaid carers make.
Dudley Carers Hub would like to encourage people, businesses, and the communities to join in a one minute Pause For Carers at 11am to Think, Thank and Remember all the individuals who provide care to a loved one, family member or friend and to recognise the contribution they make to their family and community.
People can join the Pause for Carers via Zoom from 10.50am on Thursday 10 June at 11am which will include a song from a carer and provide an opportunity for people to share thoughts and messages of hope. People can log in and join the session online.
People can learn more about carers week at www.carersweek.org