Carers across our Trust and region are today being put right on the map with the launch of this year’s Carers Week.
The nationwide campaign aims to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution made by carers to families and communities.
“It is estimated that carers save the economy £162 million a year – yet many feel their role is forgotten and invisible,” said Anthea Motson, Trust patient and carer experience officer.
“Carers Week is our chance to give recognition and respect to all carers, both the working ones within our Trust and those we work alongside. We want them to know they are valued.”
Supporting those who support others
Almost six million people are involved with unpaid caring work across Britain – looking after friends or family members who, due to illness or disability, cannot cope without support.
The dedicated support that unpaid carers provide day in, and day out, has been valued as the equivalent of a second NHS – yet many still don’t receive the support they also need.
“Caring is often a part of family life and friendships. Each day 6,000 UK people start looking after someone close to them, unpaid,” said Trust health and wellbeing lead Helen Cooke.
“Many might not think of themselves as having caring responsibilities, or identify as carers, which means they might miss out on support. We hope Carers Week helps to highlight this.”
Almost 40% of colleagues who responded to the Trust’s staff survey last year stated that they had caring responsibilities which met the definition of a working carer.
Our Trust will be hosting a range of activities to mark Carers Week 2024 – including lighting up West Park Hospital in Darlington in red in support of all carers.
No one size fits all support
“Being a carer is like a house of cards, one small change can change your day or week. You learn to juggle, adapt, and wear many different hats,” said Vicki, one of our working carers.
“What I have learnt through my own experiences, and that of others, is that there is ‘no one size fits all’ when trying to meet carers needs – as they are all different and unique to us.
“What I’ve found most helpful in maintaining my wellbeing is flexibility, creativity, patience and, where possible, having a cocreation relationship to support me in my own pursuits.”
- Advice on accessing support for carers is available on our website. The carers hub web pages have been created for and by unpaid carers.
- Photos shown here were taken at carers events over the past year or so. If you are organising any 2024 events, please let us know and we will add them to our activity list: [email protected]
