National Carers Week, running this year from the 10th until the 16th of June, is well worth clearing space in your calendar for. It’s an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlighting the challenges unpaid carers face and recognising the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.
More than anything, the week-long celebration helps people who don’t think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access the much-needed support they deserve.
Who are York’s carers?
The National Carers Week charity officially define a carer as, “anyone who looks after a family member or friend who has a disability, mental or physical illness, addiction, or who needs extra help as they grow older.” Overall, there are an estimated 10.6 million carers around the UK, working out at one-in-five adults!
Considering the size of the community, it’s unfortunately true that many carers can be so focused on providing for their dependents, all whilst maintaining work or any other responsibilities, that they simply don’t have time to reach out for help when they need it. Whether that help takes the shape of a little extra financial backing or a break for their mental health.
Whilst many feel that caring is one of the most important things they do, its challenges should not be underestimated. Caring without the right information and support can be tough.
‘Putting carers on the map’.
This year’s theme is all about ensuring the phenomenal carers we have in our community are not underrepresented for the (often unpaid) work that they do. Over the course of the week, care centres around our city will be working hard to ensure that each and every carer’s voice is heard loud and clear. Only then will they recieve the support they deserve. This June it’s all about caring for the carers.
Because the first step in making a difference is raising awareness, even if you can’t lend a hand at any upcoming events, the simple action of sharing or re-posting material on social media can go a long way to making the carers in your social circle feel safe in the knowledge that you’re there for them.
York Carers Centre
The best way to highlight the wonderful carer support already in place in York is by spending a little time focused on York Carers Centre.
Working hard to give completely free help to unpaid carers, they’re one of our city’s most important independent charities. This month, they’re running an exciting project that anyone — no matter their experience— can help with.
All you need to do is collect a small cardboard mirror from any York Explore Centre or any of the Carers Week activities, and write a word, phrase or drawing on it, then post it back in one of the boxes provided.
Visit www.yorkcarerscentre.co.uk/events to find out more. Or call York Carers Centre on 01904 715 490 or email enquiries@yorkcarerscentre.co.uk
Add a comment