Carers Week 2020

Carers Week 8th - 14th June:

Making Caring Visible - 

It is especially poignant to be writing to you in advance of Carers’ Week, at a time when carers have been undertaking ever more responsibilities in extremely worrying and difficult times. Carers’ Week is an annual celebration and opportunity to raise awareness of carers who support so many family and friends. This year’s theme is “Making Caring Visible” which aims to show that everyone has a part to play in supporting carers, from networks such as ours, to health services, employers, retailers and the entire community.

The 15000 + carers estimated to be in our borough should be recognised more than before, for the challenges they face, be respected for all they are doing and be provided with the information, advice and guidance they need. Many families are having to do more and 70% of carers who responded to a Carers UK survey said they were providing more care than usual. This was partly due to a reduced offer from social services and the closure of day centres. Carers have not been prioritised for Personal Protective Equipment, or shopping delivery slots, which leads to huge pressures and worry. Social isolation is an extension of social distancing, with many of our carers and their families having to shield to protect their health. There are additional financial concerns for a significant number of carers and mental health is being tested.

The impact of these challenges is likely to be far reaching. You will read the words of one of our local MPs, Ed Davey, in this newsletter. We thank him for his recognition, support and advocacy at a national level. At KCN, we have been doing our very best to support all our wonderful carers in virtual and creative ways. We have continued to offer advice, benefit checks, tribunal representation, keep fit, cooking classes, youth group, gardening, as well as shopping, prescription collection and befriending. We are working hard on plans for going forward, where we engage with the new normal and listen to you, our carers, and offer the support you would find useful.

I would like to thank the staff and volunteers who have been truly incredible over the last few months, making a difference to all the lives they touch.

THANK YOU ALL.

Diane White, CEO

Read the Carers Week Newsletter here

Read more on Making Caring Visible here

 

13:08, 08 Jun 2020 by Jo Cocup