31.05.2023
Next week is Carers week – 5th - 11th June and reminds us here at AP of the unpaid carers we support on a daily basis. We are continuously reminded of the stresses and strains experienced, 24/7 by carers, and the challenges we face as a charity to find ways of lessening this stress and helping carers to look after themselves whilst they look after their loved ones. We are not a Carers agency per se but our support of people who are vulnerable, disadvantaged and who experience health inequalities reminds us of the critical necessity of ensuing that unpaid carers are supported as much as possible. This week alone we have heard from unpaid carers as they tearfully share their troubles and stresses e.g. not having a full night’s sleep, not being able to leave the house for a break, not having any ‘me time’, of having to give up work and the resultant financial hardships, of having to chuck away any retirement plans they may have had prior to them needing to provide full time unpaid care, of being unwell themselves but not having time to see their GP, of financial worries because of the Cost of Living crisis, the challenges in accessing statutory services, challenges of accessing information about their rights or services available to them. At Ashford Place we recognise these difficulties and certainly respect unpaid carers for the wonderful job they do and with such composure. At least we can tell them about what is available, help them to ensure they can access this help, support them here during the week with support groups, leisure groups, social activities, outings etc. We aim for our unpaid carers to be informed, to find the support they have a right to and that they are able to live well and healthily as much as possible. Our support includes a very busy dementia related WhatsApp group, a monthly support group, lots of training such as First Aid and the provision of information on legal matters delivered by solicitors, and specific Carers training programmes delivered by the wonderful Dementia Carers Count
Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. It also helps people who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support. The campaign is brought to life by thousands of individuals and organisations who come together to provide support for carers, run activities, highlight the vital role carers play in our communities and draw attention to just how important caring is.
