Making Caring Visible & Valued for Carers Week 2021

Posted on June 7th, 2021

June 7th – 13th is Carers Week with this year’s theme being ‘Making Caring Visible & Valued’. Caring for someone can be hugely rewarding but can also have an impact on a person’s wellbeing as well as their own health. It’s vitally important that we not only recognise carers but make sure they are supported and that they receive the help they need.

For carers a break is time off from caring and a chance to do things they would like to do, but can’t do while they are caring – everyday things such as catching up with friends, going for a walk, or simply catching up on sleep. It could be for 30 minutes, an afternoon, or a week. A break could be provided by accessing care services such as replacement care, sitting services, a day service, or through support from family and friends providing either respite or essential care.

Prior to COVID-19, many carers were already struggling to access meaningful breaks but now it’s reported that 72% of carers have not had any breaks from their caring role during the pandemic. Charities are calling on the UK Government to provide £1.2 billion funding which would enable carers working upwards of 50 hours of care are able to take time off for their own health and wellbeing. 

This Carers Week, we want to bring awareness to the work done by the carers in our community and to celebrate the work they do on a daily basis. At the Spinney, we strive to support carers in the community and provide them with the help they need to give the best care possible and also to take care of themselves. If you care for someone, please let us know as we might be able to help.

Join us on the Spinney Surgery Facebook page over the coming week as we share daily insights into the lives or carers and the work they do.

For more information about the work being done by carers including reports compiled by Carers Week, click on any of the links below:

• Carers in the Community
• Breaks or breakdown: Carers Week 2021 report
• Carers Week
• Carers Trust 

Sources: carersweek.org & carers.org