This year Carers Week has taken place between the 8th – 14th June. Carers Weeks is an annual awareness campaign to recognise and pay tribute to the work of unpaid carers in the UK.
There are over 370,000 unpaid carers in Wales, 8,500 of those are here in Delyn caring for a friend or loved one who has a disability, mental or physical illness, substance misuse issue, or who needs extra help as they grow older.
On behalf of Carers Week charities, Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said:
“This year it is more important than ever to raise the profile of caring and recognise the enormous contribution made by unpaid carers, who throughout the COVID-19 outbreak have played an essential role supporting friends and family who are older, disabled or seriously ill. I am delighted that so many individuals and organisations are getting involved with virtual activities, helping carers to connect to others and access advice and information.
“Looking after someone can be a hugely rewarding experience, but it sometimes comes with difficulties, including getting the right support. This Carers Week all parts of the community – family and friends, employers, businesses, schools, health and care services – should do their bit to make caring visible and recognise carers’ vital contribution to society.”
Rob says:
“Here in Delyn just under half of unpaid carers juggle work and caring commitments, but often they do not get the support and recognition they deserve. That’s why I am proud to be supporting Cares Week 2020, it is vital that we take time to recognise and say thank you for the incredible work our carers do.
“My pledge is to raise the awareness of the needs of these carers through the setting up of a virtual carers event which will be held in the coming weeks. Unpaid carers are invited to attend and tell me their concerns and what I can do to provide them the support they need.
“I strongly encourage everyone who reads this to mention a carer close to them with the hashtag #makecaringvisible to show their support for carers across Delyn, Wales, and the UK. You can also pledge your support by visiting https://www.carersweek.org/ “