YOUR FAMILY YOUR HOME & GARDEN
N a t i o n a l Ca r e rs We e k • N a t i o n a l C a r e r s We e k • N a t i o n a l Ca r e rs We e k • N a t i o n a l C a r e r s We e k
Take care National Carers Week runs from 7th-13th June. The annual campaign raises awareness for caring, highlights the challenges that unpaid carers face and recognises the contribution they make to families and communities across the UK. It can also help people who might not have thought of themselves as carers to identify as such and access support. The theme for this year is Making Caring Visible and Valued.
SO WHAT IS A CARER? There are an estimated 6.5 million people in the UK who are carers. Following the pandemic, many people are taking on more caring responsibilities for their relatives and friends who are disabled, ill or older and who need support. National Carers Week defines a carer as someone who: ‘[1] Cares (unpaid) for family or friends who have a disability, illness or who need support in later life: Washing them. And their laundry. And their dishes. Keeping appointments. And records.
And tempers. Giving medicine. And time. And hugs. Filling forms. And fridges. And silences. Dealing with doctors. And nurses. And pharmacists. And social workers. And benefits agencies. And care workers. And a lack of sleep. [2] Needs support to manage a life on their own.’ The campaign wants carers to be recognised for the difficulties they are experiencing, respected for all they are doing, and provided with information, support and understanding.
HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED? Whether it’s raising awareness by pledging your support on carersweek. org, posting on social media or contacting local politicians, all these activities help raise the profile of caring in communities. Workplaces can look at setting up an employee carers’ network, and if you know someone who is a carer, now might be a good time to reach out have a conversation.
The team at York Carers Centre
YORK CARERS CENTRE As we welcome National Carers Week in June, it’s a great time to highlight York Carers Centre, the local charity that gives free support to any unpaid carer in York, or who care for someone in York. Their free support and advice is given to anyone aged 5 and above, depending on what the individual carer needs. This
might be one to one help, support groups, activities or advice about things like benefits and rights. If you need help, advice or someone to talk to about your caring role, you can get in touch on 01904 715 490 or see their website www.yorkcarerscentre. co.uk or social media @ yorkcarers to know more.
Care and Nursing at Home
Make Makeyour yourvoice voiceheard heard Your doctor Your doctor Your Yourhospital hospital Your dentist Your dentist Your Yourmental mentalhealth healthservices services We need to hear your experiences; what’s We need hearneeds your to experiences; what’s good, andto what improve? Get in good, and what needs to improve? Get in touch and let us know your views. touch and let us know your views.
01904 01904621133 621133 healthwatch@yorkcvs.org.uk
healthwatch@yorkcvs.org.uk www.healthwatchyork.co.uk www.healthwatchyork.co.uk @healthwatchyork @healthwatchyork
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Do you need a Helping Hand? If you are looking for an alternative to residential care or extra support for those everyday tasks that are becoming difficult for you or a loved one – then we’re here to help in York from 30 minutes per week to full-time live-in care. Our care teams have been providing award-winning quality home care since 1989 and can help with: personal care, housekeeping, help getting around or even to provide a break to an existing family member or care-giver.
Looking for care?
01904 275 094
For more information www.helpinghands.co.uk
