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Posted on Jun 10 2021 by Bobbie Kelly

We're proud to be supporting Carers Week 2021!

St Andrew’s are proud to support Carers Week, which runs from 7 to 13 June 2021, and this year the theme is Making Caring Visible and Valued.

Who are ‘Carers’?

The term 'Carer' can often be confusing. In the context of supporting Carers Week, a ‘Carer’ is someone who provides support for a relative or friend who has a disability, long-term illness or other additional needs. The support includes emotional support. This is not to be mixed up with the term for those care givers who work for care agencies, care homes and hospitals. By this definition, many of us may be ‘Carers’, whether we recognise it or not.

WATCH: A short video from our Carers Centre team!

Did you know?

• Latest figures show that 1 in 6 adults (around 8.8 million people) are carers.

• Every day another 6,000 people take on a caring responsibility – that equals over 2 million people each year.

• There is a 50:50 chance that any one of us will become a carer by the time we are 50 years old.

• The majority of carers provide over 50 hours of care per week.

• Over 1 million people care for more than one person.  (Figures from Carers UK) 

Our Carers Centre team are pleased to supporting the friends and families of our patients. They are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, tel: 01604 616125.

Making Caring Visible to friends, family and at work

Caring can lead to feelings of loneliness and being disconnected from friends and family, as well as, for some, having to balance work and care. Meanwhile social isolation and social distancing has meant that some carers find themselves removed from those normally around them. Greater understanding from friends, family and colleagues about how to support carers can help to combat feelings of loneliness.

Visible to other carers

Sometimes a few words from someone who understands your situation can be a lifeline for carers. Caring can be difficult and isolating, so speaking to someone who knows what they are going through can make a big difference. Whether by phone or online, keeping in touch with carers can be of huge importance and can help them feel recognised, supported or loved.

Below are some ideas of where you may find support, inspiration and some practical hints and tips during these difficult times that may be helpful to you.

Here are some helpful links: