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9th June 2024
Celebrating carers this Carers Week (10th - 16th June 2024)
50% discount on all services for carers during Carers Week!
Every year, Carers Week shines a spotlight on the extraordinary individuals who dedicate their lives to caring for family members with chronic illnesses, disabilities, and/or substance misuse issues. These unpaid family carers are the backbone of our society, providing essential support that allows their loved ones to maintain a better quality of life. Yet, carers often neglect their own wellbeing, prioritising others before themselves. As we celebrate Carers Week, it's crucial to acknowledge their incredible contributions and emphasise the importance of self-care for these unsung heroes.
The Vital Role of Family Carers
Family carers are multi-skilled, undertaking an array of complex tasks. They may manage medications, assist with daily activities, provide emotional support, or even perform medical tasks that would typically be handled by healthcare professionals. Carers can be parents, partners, friends or neighbours and may help with personal care and daily tasks, or live far from the person they support but provide regular emotional support via telephone and liaise with professionals on the person's behalf. Regardless of the type of carer, the value of their work is immense, both emotionally and economically. According to recent research, unpaid carers in England and Wales contribute a staggering £445 million to the economy every day – that’s £162 billion per year, the equivalent to a second NHS in England and Wales (Petrillo and Bennett, 2023).
The Cost of Caring
While the role of a carer is rewarding, it is also incredibly demanding. Carers often experience high levels of stress, physical exhaustion, injury, and emotional burnout. The nature of caring responsibilities can lead to neglect of their own health, both mental and physical; with research showing 60% of carers reporting a long-term health condition or disability compared to 50% non-carers (Carers UK analysis of GP Patient Survey 2021). The impact is even more pronounced for those who lack adequate support networks or respite care.
The Importance of Self-Care
Self-care is not a luxury for carers; it is a necessity. Taking time for themselves can help carers recharge, reduce stress, and improve their overall wellbeing. Here are some essential self-care strategies for carers:
Regular Breaks: Even short breaks can make a significant difference. Respite care services can provide temporary relief, allowing carers to rest and rejuvenate.
Physical Activity: Exercise is a proven stress reliever. Whether it's a short walk, a yoga session, or a dance class, physical activity can boost mood and energy levels.
Healthy Eating: A balanced diet fuels the body and mind, helping carers maintain their own health while supporting others.
Social Connections: Maintaining relationships with friends and family is crucial. Support groups for carers can also provide a sense of community and shared understanding.
Professional Support: Local carers services can provide a range of support. See links to local Carers services below, or find your local service here (if they are a member of the Carers Trust Network) or by googling the name of your town and 'carers'.
Mindfulness and Relaxation: Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness can help carers stay grounded and manage stress.
Celebrating Carers Week
Carers Week is an opportunity to honour and celebrate the incredible contributions of unpaid family carers. It's a time to raise awareness about their challenges and advocate for better support systems. Most importantly, it's a reminder for carers to prioritize their own health and wellbeing.
To all the family carers out there: Thank you. Your dedication and compassion are the foundation of our communities. As a carer of 30 years who has worked for two local carers organisations, as well as Carers UK and Carers Trust, I know how difficult it can be to make time for yourself and afford something that is just for you. So, for Carers Week, I am offering all services half-price for carers. My services are mobile so I will travel to you, no need to find covering care. To book your service, call on 07726 471 318 or email thewellbeingservice@gmail.com.
While it can be very hard at times, caring can also bring a lot of joy and satisfaction. It's important that carers are able to maintain a life alongside caring, with adequate time and resources to ensure they can maintain their own health. If The Wellbeing Service has one main mission statement, it's that everyone should have access to flexible services that help people to enjoy their lives and maintain their wellbeing. Let's use this Carers Week to do that for our family carers.
To find out more about carers and caring, visit Carers Trust, or Carers UK for information, advice and guidance.
Wishing you all a very happy Carers Week!
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