Charity can help make unpaid carers’ role easier

A carers charity is reaching out to the missing 80 per cent of carers in North Argyll who it could be helping.

There are an estimated 3,200 carers across Oban, Lorn and the Isles but North Argyll Carers Centre says only about 20 per cent are registered with them.

The charity wants to get word out about the work it does to support unpaid carers and see if there is anything it can do to make the caring role a little easier or help them take a bit of time out for themselves.

An unpaid carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who, due to illness, disability, frailty, a mental health problem or an addiction, cannot manage without their support.

North Argyll Carers Centre manager Judith Hawcroft says there are lots of reasons why unpaid carers do not access the support they need.

‘Many people do not want to identify themselves as unpaid carers. Often people feel that looking after someone they care about when they need it is a natural part of life.

‘They do not feel they need to be recognised for this or deserve to have help for themselves.

‘Most of us will be a carer for someone during our lifetime and also need someone to care for us. ‘Unpaid carers will put the person they care for before themselves and often do not take breaks and get the rest, medical attention and support they need. This can lead to them feeling exhausted, isolated and stressed and becoming unwell.

‘The demands of the caring role can increase so steadily that these feelings can creep up on someone and they can suddenly fi nd they are at breaking point without realising how physically and mentally tired they have become.

‘Some feel there is a stigma about being a carer and asking for help from a charity.’

Judith says the mission at North Argyll Carers Centre is

Members of North Argyll Carers Centre’s Tobermory ‘Time for Me’ group making woolly creations

not about fi nancial support, it is about looking at the whole person and fi nding ways that each individual they work with can be helped to carry on caring in the way they feel able. Some people are afraid that if “ Many people do not want to identify they accept the themselves as label of ‘unpaid unpaid carers carer’ they will be expected to do everything for the person they care for and will be overwhelmed by that expectation. As well as providing a listening ear, North Argyll Carers Centre runs groups, clubs, hobby activities, day trips, residential retreats, advice, information and informal advocacy for carers from the age of eight upwards. ‘It would be wonderful if over the months to come we can make contact with the many carers out there who we don’t yet know.

‘The support someone receives is tailored to their needs and can be as light touch as an occasional phone call to check in, if that is all that is required.

‘Being connected with us means that if anything changes for a carer or the person they care for, the team at North Argyll Carers Centre can step in quickly to put the help in place to prevent that becoming a crisis,’ said Judith.

To get support from North Argyll Carers Centre, contact 01631 564422 to fi nd out more.

The award-winning Whitehouse Restaurant in Lochaline is re-opening under new ownership

The Whitehouse Restaurant in Lochaline has recently been sold to new owners Chris and Agi Stanley Fotos. The couple are new to Lochaber but not to the Highlands as they have lived in Port Appin for several years before moving to the south of the country in pursuit of career development. Now they are glad to be back in friendly Lochaline and away from the hustle and bustle of the Central Belt.

Chris and Agi have worked in some of the best known restaurants across the country such as the The Airds Hotel and Restaurant in Port Appin and the Chez Roux brand.

Now they are ready to take charge of their own establishment where they intend to follow in the footsteps of previous owners Sarah Jones and Jane StuartSmith, putting slow food and low food miles at the forefront of the business. Their ethos is to make sustainable ne food accessible to everyone.

Sarah Jones said: ‘It was a hard decision to sell the Whitehouse after nearly 20 years, but we have no regrets as we know it is in excellent hands and Agi and Chris will make it thrive once more. We are delighted the Whitehouse lights will be shining again soon together with great food and a warm welcome.’

Chris and Agi would like to thank both Sarah and Jane for their help and unwavering support.

‘We hope to be able to build on all their hard work by creating a ne dining restaurant that has the community at its heart and focuses on the sustainability of its output.’

The Whitehouse is open for lunch and dinner TuesdaySaturday.